1.3. Regional support, networks and coordination of policies for health equity

Effective local integration requires alignment with supportive national and regional policy environments. This area promotes synchronization between local actions and broader commitments, through coordinated governance and intersectoral collaboration. It supports the establishment of networks and platforms that connect governments, civil society and academia to share knowledge, foster joint commitments, and scale effective practices for health equity.

Examples from SIMASHE

Network for Intersectoral Work and Social Participation for Health Equity in the Americas (TIPSESA): The network was established during the first Meeting on Intersectorality for Health Equity in the region, held in Havana, Cuba, in 2023, organized by PAHO and WHO. The event gathered 140 participants from 20 countries, including representatives of governments, civil society organizations, academia and citizens from across the region. The meeting concluded with the approval of the Statement on Intersectoral Action to Advance Health Equity.


First Experts Meeting on Monitoring and Evaluation of Intersectoral Action in the Americas: Held in Rio de Janeiro in 2024, the meeting brought together experts in intersectoral action, health equity, and policy monitoring and evaluation from international organizations, academia, and public health and social development institutions at national, subnational and local levels. Participants exchanged experiences and discussed key elements of monitoring intersectoral actions, along with initial reflections on evaluation. A roadmap for 2024–2025 was established, outlining key milestones for the period.


Supporting development of the EPSI.V Network in the Americas: Established in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic with support from PAHO, the network of Comprehensive Health Promotion Strategies in Vulnerable Populations in the Americas (EPSI.V) brings together organizations, universities and institutions working with populations in conditions of vulnerability in various health-related areas. The network serves as a platform to integrate best practices and promote community-based health projects through social innovation.

Examples from related work and initiatives

Connecting health equity advocates and practitioners through The Health Equity Network: The Health Equity Network is a United Kingdom-based platform that connects individuals and organizations to share knowledge and collaborate on health equity initiatives. While primarily United Kingdom-focused, the network is exploring ways to expand globally by engaging members outside the country. It seeks input on how a Global Health Equity Network could add value, foster collaboration and actively involve international participants.  

PAHO Bogota City brief

Strengthening Health in All Policies through the Global Network for Health in All Policies: The global network is a country-led initiative that promotes a whole-of-government approach to address the determinants of health and advance the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage. It works with governments and institutions across sectors and levels to build capacity, develop tools and share knowledge for implementing Health in All Policies (HiAP). The network supports advocacy, technical guidance, peer learning and research, while fostering South-South and triangular cooperation. An online platform enables countries to access resources, exchange experiences, and strengthen HiAP implementation in diverse contexts.


Key intervention activities

SIMASHE is continuously seeking examples related to this area of work, including activities for:

  • fostering regional synergies to scale and standardize equity-oriented policies, ensuring cross-region learning and alignment.
  • building networks, communities of practice, and spaces to interchange lessons and key learnings.
  • creation of institutional or formal mechanisms for coordination across countries.