Health in all Policies
Health in all Policies (HiaP) is an innovative policy strategy that responds to the critical role that health plays in the economies and social life of 21st century societies. It introduces better health (improved population health outcomes) and closing the health gap as a shared goal across all parts of government and addresses complex health challenges through an integrated policy response across portfolio boundaries. By incorporating a concern with health impacts into the policy development process of all sectors and agencies it allows government to address the key determinants of health in a more systematic manner as well as taking into account the benefit of improved population health for the goals of other sectors. Health in All Policies is committed to the achievement of sustainability and the health and wellbeing of both present and future generations.
Kickbusch 2007
The introduction of a “whole of government approach to health” is gaining increasing interest around the world. Most recently – in the context of the residency of Ilona Kickbusch as Adelaide Thinker in Residence – the South Australian Government embarked on a unique Health in All Policies process engaging the whole of government across all portfolios and applying a health lens to South Australia’s Strategic Plan. The report of Ilona Kickbusch' work as Adelaide Thinker in residence is available: Healthy Societies: Addressing 21st Century Health Challenges >>> more (*.pdf)
New: Since then South Australia has actively continues to implement this approach. It has further organized an international meeting in April 2010 to discuss international experiences. One result of this meeting is the 2010 Adelaide Statement. This statement, all presentations as well as the publications prepared before and after the meeting can be accessed at the Health in All Policies website
The concept of Health in All Policies was first developed by the World Health Organization and was initially referred to as intersectoral action for health. In the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion in 1986 it was highlighted as Healthy Public Policy and further developed in the Adelaide recommendations, following a WHO Conference in 1988 in Adelaide Australia.
The 2006 Finnish presidency of the European Union selected a determinants based approach to health as its priority. This led to the adoption of a conclusion of the Council of the European Union on “Health in All Policies (HiAP)”(*.pdf). It reinforces Article 152 of the Treaty establishing the European Community which states that “a high level of human health protection shall be ensured by all Community institutions in the definition of all Community policies and activities”. Finland will also host the 2013 Global Conference on health promotion whih will focus on Health in All Policies.
