The health democracy deficit and COVID-19

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 crisis has laid bare the need for robust governance in health. Advice to political leaders on COVID-19 strategies was largely provided by specialist experts or those with an established relationship with government bodies, reflecting a default governance mode which is still not inclusive. Populations, communities, and civil society were largely left out;yet, inclusive dialogue initiatives are crucial to building trust and policy adherence. Social participation, although not novel in theory, is innovative in practice as decision-makers still struggle with the 'how' of fostering health democracy and bringing people's voice into emergency responses and health policies.