The Regional Committee,
Having considered the Regional Director's report on health promotion and on the development of a health promotion programme;*
Recalling resolution WHA42.44 on health promotion, public information and education for health, and resolutions WHA46.7 , WHA46.17 and WHA46.20 on, inter alia, nutrition, health and development and environment issues;
Noting with concern the increase in noncommunicable diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases, injuries and other health risks associated with a wide range of factors, such as urbanization, industrialization, and environmental changes in the course of development;
Recalling that these problems cannot be solved simply by improving the health services and that a multisectoral approach to health and well-being is necessary nationally and internationally;
Recognizing that health promotion is a strategy that responds to these issues;
Emphasizing the principle of individual and collective responsibility for health;
- URGES Member States:
- (1) to develop programmes that enable individuals in the different stages of life to improve their own health and the health of their families;
- (2) to facilitate community action that contributes to the development of lifestyles and living conditions conducive to health;
- (3) to provide a health-promoting environment through the formulation of national public policies;
- (4) to ensure support for health goals from relevant government sectors;
- (5) to develop a mechanism for intersectoral collaboration that includes nongovernmental organizations and the private sector;
- REQUESTS the Regional Director:
- (1) to advocate the concept of individual and community responsibility for health;
- (2) to facilitate and coordinate the exchange of practical experiences;
- (3) to provide technical support to programmes and projects that strengthen not only individual action for health throughout the different stages in life but also community and government action.