Listening to the voice of people: first Iran National Health Assembly

Background: People's participation in health affairs has been given more importance, recently. Establishment of the first National Health Assembly (NHA) in Iran was to shape dialogue among stakeholders and advocacy for health among all non-health sectors; decentralizing health decision making process, involving community and societies in health policy and planning, identification, appreciation, and development of health policies and measures in all economic, social, and cultural institutions of the country. This report summarized the Iranian context, process, and procedures of the establishment of the first NHA in Iran. Presentation of case: To ensure participation of all people around the country, provincial health assemblies, district health assemblies, and neighborhood health assemblies were formed throughout the country. The main theme selected for the 1st NHA was “Health for All, All for Health”. Conclusion: The final statement mentioned that health is a citizens’ right and all people and organizations are responsible for it; therefore, cultural activities and legal support are needed for the institutionalization of social accountability for health.