A new practical guide released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) supports non-governmental organisations to more effectively advocate for life-saving emergency care.

Around the world, acutely ill and injured people seek care every day for medical, surgical and obstetric emergencies, including injuries resulting from road traffic crashes. The guide clearly defines the role that non-governmental organizations can have and offers concrete actions for more effective and impactful advocacy.

Developed collaboratively by WHO, including the WHO Global Alliance for Care of the Injured, and the Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety, Advocating for emergency care: a guide for non-governmental organisations is especially targeted towards non-governmental organisations that operate with limited resources.

It proposes a step-by-step advocacy framework that encourages its users to assess the terrain, prepare to act, take action and review progress. A series of case studies from around the world and links to useful resources are also included.

Rudi Eggers, Director of the WHO Department of Integrated Health Services said, “This new guide furthers WHO’s mandate to strengthen emergency care systems and support the development of quality, timely emergency care accessible to all.”