Definition: Process that enables people to increase control over and improve their health.
Goal: Improve health and well-being beyond the mere absence of disease.
Health: A Multifactorial Concept
WHO's Definition: A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
Influenced by a range of factors: social, environmental, economic.
Comprehensive Approach
Targets health at both individual and community levels.
Includes a broad spectrum of health factors and determinants.
Global Importance of Health Promotion
1986: First International Conference on Health Promotion by WHO in Ottawa, Canada.
Ottawa Charter: Landmark document created at this conference.
Guidance on health promotion goals and concepts.
Ottawa Charter: Key Components
Five Action Areas
Building Healthy Public Policy
Develop policies supporting health (legislative, regulatory, organizational, taxation changes).
Examples: Seat belt laws, smoking restrictions, workplace health & safety regulations.
Creating Supportive Environments
Focus on natural and built environments where people live, work, learn, and play.
Examples: Workplace health promotion, junk food advertising restrictions, walking programs.
Strengthening Community Action
Collective community efforts to improve health.
Examples: Community fun runs, community kitchens, support groups for HIV/AIDS.
Reorienting Health Services
Shift focus from curative services to comprehensive health support.
Examples: Training doctors for preventive care, health educator roles, improving access for diverse populations.
Developing Personal Skills
Support personal and social development through information, education, and skills enhancement.
Examples: Online health information programs, educational materials on diseases, disease management classes.
Three Strategies
Advocate
Use individual and social actions to gain political and policy support for health goals.
Mediate
Reconcile different interests (individual, community, sectors) to promote health.
Enable
Empower individuals to take actions that protect and promote their health.
Conclusion
Health promotion is vital to public health, incorporating a multifactorial approach to improve well-being. The Ottawa Charter provides a foundational framework with its action areas and strategies for effective health promotion.