#WhatsYourPlan – expediting progress towards targets of the WHO Global Action Plan on Dementia

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundIn 2017, all 194 Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) unanimously adopted the Global Action Plan on the public health response to dementia 2017‐2025, the primary aim being for countries to implement National Dementia Plans (NDP). However, as outlined in Alzheimer’s Disease International’s (ADI) recent From Plan to Impact report, WHO Member States have been far too slow to act ‐ falling far short of the 146 countries target. In response, ADI launched the #WhatsYourPlan campaign, in collaboration with ADI Members, with the single‐minded aim of galvanising governments to act on their 2017 commitment.MethodStrategizing and working with ADI Members, official communications were sent to relevant ministries to enquire as to the status of the NDP, and to request a formal meeting. For Ministries where a response was not obtained, subsequent letters were sent to elicit a response. ADI has also, in some instances, sought advice and utilised WHO regional and national offices, and other multilateral bodies and stakeholders, to help follow up with Ministries of Health for those that have been willing to engage.ResultTo date, 52 ADI members and thus 52 countries have joined the campaign. In total from the onset of the campaign, over 205 official communications have been shared with Member States, resulting in a total of 29 high‐level meetings. In total 20 Member States have committed to developing an NDP, just over a third of all participating ADI Members and over half of the number of plans already in existence in WHO Member States.ConclusionOnly with robust NDPs can governments prepare their health and care systems to meet the complex needs of those affected by dementia. As ADI moves forwards into the second year of the campaign, the mission and scope remain, however with added urgency as the 2025 deadline gets nearer. The campaign will expand accordingly through awareness raising campaigns, media and social media engagement, and regional ADI/WHO meetings, whilst solidifying the successes of the previous year. Ultimately, with the intention of educating the public on why NDPs are so important, and to empower them to ask their own governments: #WhatsYourPlan?