Congress report - European Health Forum Gastein

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European Health Forum Gastein 2001
Tackling the determinants of health implies a multi-sectoral approach. This has already been
settled in the field of environment, where national state authorities are given the
responsibility to accomplish the environmental requirements that falls within their remit
respectively. The National Public Health Committee is using this approach as a model.
Simplified the rationale is built on a 3-step sequence:
1. Identifying scientifically based determinants of health and in particular their impact
for increased equity in health,
2. Undertake appropriate actions in different sectors on different societal levels,
3. Follow up health outcomes by monitoring indicators and using comprehensive
measures for (ill)health.
Important tools and mechanisms for placing health in other polices are considered to be:
� Establishing a structure in the Government’s Office in which public health
issues are managed horizontally,
� Directing and guiding national state authorities according to the national
public health strategy by putting the responsibility for relevant health
determinants as part of their remit,
� Developing a solid and politically strong monitoring mechanism. In
addition to a public health report a report on the development of healthy
public policy is proposed, as a resource for the Government to report on
Public Health to the Parliament once every 4th year,
� Implementing health impact assessments (HIA) in major issues as part of
the decision making process, and local welfare management systems for
integrating health in municipal comprehensive planning schemes,
� Establishing structures for facilitation, collaboration and co-ordination
between different authorities, agencies and other actors on different
societal levels. A living and open debate and dialogue is fundamental to
build credibility around a concept where health should be part of many
considerations.
Speech not available.
The Experience in Wales
Mike Ponton
Abstract and speech not available.
International Forum Gastein, Tauernplatz 1, A-5630 Bad Hofgastein
Tel.: +43 (6432) 7110-70, Fax: Ext. 71, e-mail: info@ehfg.org, website: www.ehfg.org