Health 2020: a European Policy Framework Supporting Action Across Government and Society for Health and Well-Being 5
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Health 2020 A European policy framework and strategy for the 21st century Abstract The 53 countries of the European Region approved a new value- and evidence-based health policy framework for the Region, Health 2020, at the session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in September 2012. Health 2020 focuses on improving health for all and reducing health inequalities, through improved leadership and governance for health. It focuses on today’s major health problems. It identifies four priority areas for policy action and is innovative in terms of responses across all levels and sectors of government and society, emphasizing developing assets and resilience within communities, empowerment and creating supportive environments. It details the strengthened roles of public health services and the health system. Health 2020 was approved in two forms: a European policy framework supporting action across government and society for health and well-being for politicians and those developing policy and the longer Health 2020 policy framework and strategy, which provides more operational detail. Implementing Health 2020 in countries is now the fundamental top-priority challenge for the Region. Keywords Health POLICY Health SYSTEMS PLANS DELIVERY OF health care REGIONAL health PLANNING INTERNatioNAL cooperatioN PUBLIC health EUrope isbN 978 92 890 0279 0 Address requests about publications of the WHO Regional Office for Europe to: Publications WHO Regional Office for Europe UN City Marmorvej 51 DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Alternatively, complete an online request form for documentation, health infor- mation, or for permission to quote or translate, on the Regional Office web site (http://www.euro.who.int/pubrequest). © World Health Organization 2013 All rights reserved. The Regional Office for Europe of the World Health Organization welcomes requests for permission to repro- duce or translate its publications, in part or in full. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommend- ed by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters. All reasonable precautions have been taken by the World Health Organization to verify the information contained in this pub- lication. However, the published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. The re- sponsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall the World Health Organization be liable for damages arising from its use. The views expressed by authors, editors, or expert groups do not necessarily represent the decisions or the stated policy of the World Health Organization. Book design and cover design: Christophe Lanoux, Paris, France Contents Introduction 1 Health 2020: a European policy framework supporting action across government and society for health and well-being 5 Health 2020: policy framework and strategy 25 Introduction 1 Introduction Health 2020 is a value- and evidence-based health policy framework for health and well-being among the people of the WHO European Region. The hope is that Health 2020 will provide understanding and inspiration to everyone across the European Region who wishes to seize new opportunities to improve the health and well-being of present and future generations, by showing both the challenges, opportunities and ways forward. Health 2020 is for everyone: not just politicians and experts but also civil society, communities, families and individuals. Why is Health 2020 important? Health 2020 presents the social and economic imperative for action, showing clearly that health and well-being are important and essential for economic and social development. It focuses on health as a human right; whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches to equitable improvement in health; strong and invigorated governance and leadership for health; collaborative models of working and shared priorities with other sectors; the importance of community and individual reliance and empowerment; and the role of partnerships. The WHO Regional Committee for Europe approved Health 2020 in 2012 in two documentary forms, included here in a single publication. The European policy framework for supporting government and society for health and well- being provides politicians and policy practitioners with the main values and principles needed to put Health 2020 into practice. It focuses on today’s major health challenges as well as the opportunities for equitable improvement in health and provides strong political, social and economic arguments for health action, built around the policy framework’s key strategic policy objectives and priorities. The longer Health 2020 policy framework and strategy provides in much greater detail the contextual analysis and the main strategies and interventions that work as well as the necessary evidence and details of the capacity required for implementing the policies and practices designed to improve health and well-being. The emphasis is on innovative and evidence-informed policy and practice, presented to assist those who develop and implement operational policy. The Health 2020 policy framework and strategy is seen as a living guide, providing links to later changes in evidence, practice and outcomes. Taken together, these publications provide a flexible framework for policy and practice across the Member States of the European Region, building on a long history of global and regional policy thinking. Health 2020 is fully aligned with the WHO reform process and will be actively promoted by the WHO Regional Office for Europe among its Member States, who should receive integrated in-country support in the context of their individual needs and priorities. Here WHO must work in partnership, and everyone involved in developing Health 2020 must be willing to advocate for it and be committed to make it work. 3 Health 2020: a European policy framework supporting action across government and society for health and well-being 5 Contents Foreword 8 Foreword 9 Health is a major societal resource and asset 11 A strong value base: reaching the highest attainable standard of health 12 A strong social and economic case for improving health 12 Strategic objectives of Health 2020: stronger equity and better governance for health 13 Improving health for all and reducing health inequalities 13 Improving leadership and participatory governance for health 14 Working together on common policy priorities for health 15 Priority area 1. Investing in health through a life-course approach and empowering people 16 Priority area 2. Tackling Europe’s major health challenges: noncommunicable and communicable diseases 17 Priority area 3. Strengthening people-centred health systems, public health capacity and emergency preparedness, surveillance and response 18 Priority area 4. Creating resilient communities and supportive environments 20 Working together: adding value through partnerships 20 Health 2020 – a common purpose and a shared responsibility 22 7 Health 2020: a European policy framework Foreword Health 2020: a European policy framework supporting action across government and society for health and well-being sets out a far-sighted and ambitious agenda for health. Agreement on this framework by all 53 Member States of the WHO European Region comes at a crucial time. As we approach 2015 and the deadline for achieving the Millennium Development Goals, this policy will help to position health in the next generation of global goals. The framework crystallizes what we have learned about the role of health in recent years. Maximizing health through all stages of life is a fundamental right for all and not a privilege for a few. Good health is an asset and a source of economic and social stability. It is key to reducing poverty and both contributes to and benefits from sustainable development. Most important, good health can no longer be seen an outcome of one sector alone: sustainable and equitable improvements in health are the product of effective policy across all parts of government and collaborative efforts across all parts of society. Readers will find that these insights lie at the heart of the strategy. The challenges to be addressed in the Region are considerable. Health inequities within and between countries reflect economic and social divisions across society. As economic pressures bite and health care costs rise, the risk of exclusion increases, too often leaving behind those with the greatest health needs. At the same time, we know that public expectations for the newest and the best in health technology in combination with the changing disease profile of ageing populations place huge pressure on budgets. New approaches and perspectives are needed if universal health coverage is to be a reality for the countries of the Region. Shifting the mindset of policy-makers, health providers and members of the public