THEME 1: - COMMUNITY ACTION IN GOVERNANCE AND
ACCOUNTABILITY FOR HEALTH SYSTEMS STRENGTHENING
 
-  CoPGS2019 SESSIONS  -

The Symposium sought to take a step forward by emphasising on the transformative potential of the power of the communities rather than seeing social accountability as merely a process that ensures 'participation of the community’.  This theme positioned communities and civil society at large as central to the governance and accountability of health systems (both public and private), as well as on community empowerment and transformation of the power relations between the community and health system and not merely a foot-note in the policy processes.

There were three sessions held during the symposium to deliberate on this Theme:

• Setting the Stage: Locating Community Action within an Accountability Framework
  
• Community action in governance and accountability for health systems strengthening
  
• Rethinking Strategies for Social Accountability

Although cross-cutting in nature, this theme provided a unique platform and opportunity for learning, exchange and knowledge building highlighting multi-level practice, multi-level efforts and multi-sectoral efforts for changing policies in favour of people to realise Health for All.