Sustainable health promotion aims to improve population health and wellness by addressing not just immediate health issues, but also the wider social, environmental, and economic determinants of health. This approach is in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (WHO, 1948).
Central to sustainable health promotion is the concept of health equity, which underscores the need to provide everyone with an equal opportunity to achieve their fullest health potential (Marmot, 2008). This means addressing health disparities caused by socio-economic status, geography, race, gender, or disability. Policy interventions that promote social equity, access to education, decent work, and housing have been found effective in achieving health equity (Commission on Social Determinants of Health, 2008).
Environmental sustainability is another key aspect of sustainable health promotion. A healthy environment supports healthy populations. Measures such as reducing air pollution, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, promoting a safe and healthy food system, and protecting biodiversity have direct and indirect impacts on population health (Frumkin, 2016).
Physical activity promotion, a well-established strategy in health promotion, also contributes to sustainability. Active transportation (e.g., walking, cycling) not only improves physical health but also reduces carbon emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability (Giles-Corti et al., 2016).
Furthermore, sustainable health promotion involves building health literacy, enabling individuals to gain control over their health decisions (Nutbeam, 2008). Effective health education empowers individuals to make healthier choices and promotes community resilience in the face of health challenges.
In conclusion, sustainable health promotion is a holistic approach that acknowledges the interconnectivity of social, economic, and environmental factors in shaping health outcomes. It fosters long-term health benefits while contributing to the overall sustainability of our communities.
References:
- World Health Organization (1948). Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization. Geneva: WHO.
- Marmot, M. (2008). Closing the gap in a generation: Health equity through action on the social determinants of health. Geneva: Commission on Social Determinants of Health, WHO.
- Frumkin, H. (2016). Environmental health: From global to local. San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons.
- Giles-Corti, B., Vernez-Moudon, A., Reis, R., Turrell, G., Dannenberg, A.L., Badland, H., Foster, S., Lowe, M., Sallis, J.F., Stevenson, M., Owen, N. (2016). City planning and population health: a global challenge. The Lancet, 388(10062), 2912-2924.
- Nutbeam, D. (2008). The evolving concept of health literacy. Social Science & Medicine, 67(12), 2072-2078.