9.Y.1. PechaKucha: How to use human rights-based advocacy and legal action to advance public health

Abstract In many areas of public health policy, legal action has delivered significant and long-lasting impacts. Notable successes include increased access to treatments for HIV and other essential medicines, and compensation for injury related to tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and opioid-related addictions. Public health professionals are keen to learn if and how legal action can be used to advance these and other public health goals in the contexts in which they work. Every country context and legal system is different, yet common principles can be applied. These include engagement with civil society organisations and affected communities in advocacy for change in policies, laws and practices, and collaboration with legal experts who can advise on the opportunities and limits of legal action. Potential applications include infectious and non-communicable diseases, child poverty and exploitation, sexual and gender minority health and discrimination, violence against women, and commercial determinants of health, including relating to climate change. This Pecha Kucha session will include experienced practitioners who will share their perspectives on these issues. Key messages • Public health professionals can use advocacy strategies and legal action to advance public health goals. Every country context and legal system is different, yet common principles can be applied. • Success factors include engagement with civil society organisations and affected communities and collaboration with legal experts who can advise on the opportunities and limits of legal action. Speakers/Panellists Farhang Tahzib Faculty of Public Health, Haywards heath, UK