Health Promotion in Terms of International Agreements: A Global Effort
Health promotion is an essential aspect of public health, aimed at improving the overall well-being of individuals, communities, and populations. It is a multi-faceted approach that involves a range of actions, from raising awareness of healthy lifestyles to creating supportive environments for healthy behaviors.
International agreements play a crucial role in promoting health globally. These agreements are aimed at addressing public health issues that transcend national boundaries, such as infectious diseases, chronic diseases, and environmental health concerns. They also provide a framework for countries to work together, share knowledge and resources, and align efforts towards common health goals.
One of the most prominent international agreements that promote health is the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Promotion Glossary. This glossary defines health promotion as “the process of enabling people to increase control over their health and its determinants and thereby improve their health.” The WHO also developed the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, which outlines five key action areas for promoting health: building healthy public policies, creating supportive environments, strengthening community action, developing personal skills, and reorienting health services.
Another significant agreement is the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs aim to promote health and well-being for all, and specifically target reducing maternal and child mortality, combating infectious diseases, and addressing non-communicable diseases such as cancer and diabetes. The SDGs also include goals related to clean water and sanitation, quality education, and gender equality, recognizing the interrelatedness of health with other social determinants of health.
International agreements on health promotion also address specific health concerns such as tobacco control, vaccination, and nutrition. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is a global agreement that aims to reduce tobacco-related deaths and diseases by implementing evidence-based tobacco control measures. The Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) is a commitment to ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to lifesaving vaccines. The Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) is another initiative aimed at addressing the rising burden of chronic diseases.
In conclusion, health promotion is a global effort that requires collaboration and action across national boundaries. International agreements provide a framework for countries to work together, share knowledge and resources, and align efforts towards common health goals. These agreements address a range of health concerns and provide solutions that promote healthy behaviors, create supportive environments, and improve health outcomes. By working together, we can achieve better health and well-being for all.