Photovoice is a participatory action research methodology that involves the taking of images by individuals, the discussion and analysis of these images and the use of the images to communicate the lived experiences, strengths and challenges of the photographers.
At the Fifth Global Symposium on Health Systems Research (HSR2018), the Local Organizing Committee introduced a multi-project Photovoice exhibition, inviting delegates to submit their Photovoice images for ongoing or completed projects that were in line with the Symposium sub-themes. The Photovoice exhibition at HSR2018 created a platform for critical dialogue and learning throughout the symposium, as we advanced health systems with the vision of ‘Health for All’ in the SDG era, and universal coverage.
Entries to the HSR2018 Photovoice competition were judged by an independent panel and the results are below:
- 1st place: Global Health Corps Zambia (2016/17 Fellows) – Masompenya (Translation: “to focus” or “eyes wide open”)
- 2nd place: Therese Boulle – Photovoice: A tool for Health Committees to explore where community needs are located
- 3rd place: Georgina Miguel Esponda – Perspectives of the Sierra: Living with mental illnesses in rural communities of Chiapas, Mexico
You can now see all of the Photovoice entries below! Click on an image to see the full collection in each gallery.
Acknowledgement

HSR2018 would like to thank the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH) for sponsoring the HSR2018 Photovoice exhibit, Elaine McNeill and Elizabeth McNulty of Liverpool John Moore’s University (LJMU) for curating the exhibition and the Photovoice competition panel members Dr Amuda Baba, Dr Sara Ronzi and Professor John Hyatt for their expert contribution. Thanks also to Jen Welch from LJMU for the loan of the feedback tree. Helen Carlin and Jane Ardrey (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine) co-ordinated the HSR2018 Photovoice activities.