Political Dimensions of Governing for Health

Abstract

Politicians are central to governing for health, and this chapter is directed at persuading them to do so. It includes a well-being manifesto and provides evidence to support the value of adopting this manifesto in terms of individual, population, and planetary well-being. Further evidence is provided in terms of how more equitable societies are also more successful, and how pursuing equity can create political capital. The power of the various lobby groups the politicians will encounter and the need to privilege public interests above private profit when assessing the messages from this lobbying are considered. Concomitant to this is the importance of listening to public interest advocates. Civil society advocacy is vital to winning a constituency for the well-being manifesto. The chapter argues the need for global political governance in the face of waning power for nation-states and increasing power for transnational corporations.