What is the primary role of health advocacy?

The primary role of health advocacy is to influence public policies and support health initiatives. This involves working to raise awareness about health issues, mobilizing communities, and engaging with policymakers to promote changes that can lead to improved health outcomes. Advocacy focuses on systematic changes that can address social determinants of health, ensuring that health priorities are recognized and acted upon in a way that benefits populations, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalized.

While making healthcare accessible to all, increasing insurance coverage, and providing direct medical services are important aspects of health and healthcare, they are not the central focus of health advocacy itself. Instead, advocacy seeks to create an environment where such outcomes can occur by pushing for legislative changes, funding for health programs, and overall societal support for public health initiatives. This broader perspective allows advocates to address the root causes of health disparities and to work towards sustainable improvements in health for entire communities.