Route of the Americas
When PAHO’s Directing Council approved the first Regional Plan of Action in the world for Health in All Policies in September 2014, it took the lead in implementing an innovative and ambitious approach to the formulation of public policies. HiAP was first defined in the Adelaide Declaration of 2010 and then in the global framework for action by the countries in the Helsinki declaration. The prompt action of the Organization reveals the promise of this new approach to health promotion and the broad support of its goals and objectives.
At the same time, the HIAP incorporates many elements of health promotion and the formulation of health policies that have been developed and debated for decades. It is based on the widespread view of health and well-being defined by Alma Ata (1978) and addressing the public health policies established in the Ottawa Charter (1986). It also recognizes the important contributions of the movement in addressing the social determinants of health and health equities identified by the WHO Commission on the Social Determinants of Health (2008).
In the context of the 8th Global Conference on Health Promotion, Health in All Policies is defined as "an approach to public policies across sectors that systematically takes into account the health implications of decisions, seeks synergies, and avoids harmful health impacts, in order to improve population health and health equity”. In the framework for country action, PAHO’s Action Plan on HiAP was based on six strategic areas identified in the Declaration of Helsinki as well as on elements from the Rio Political Declaration on Social Determinants of Health and the Rio + 20 Conference on Sustainable Development, which required dynamic approaches to policymakingacross sectors to address growing inequities, particularly in the area of health.
Due to its importance, a strategy to move the Plan of Action on HIAP into effective results was put into action. Given its innovative nature, expert guidance was sought and experiences have been studied both in the Region of the Americas and elsewhere. With these objectives in mind, the Special Program on Sustainable Development and Health Equity organized an Expert Consultation on HiAP in Washington, DC, from March 31 to April 1, 2015. This meeting provided an opportunity to gather world leaders in the field as well as experts from academia and politics of the Americas and other countries with relevant experience in HiAP, such as Finland and Australia. The purpose of this meeting was to translate the Plan of Action on HIAP into a roadmap, identifying concrete actions that would be crucial for the Region to implement HiAP.
2010
Strategy to Combat Overweight and Obesity
In Mexico, the numbers of overweight and obese people are increasing every year, as well as the diseases associated to these conditions . To meet this challenge, a National Agreement for Healthy Nutrition was proposed. Different sectors promote food regulation, changing the family diet and creating awareness of eating habits, and increasing physical activity. Each sector has a specific agenda that is coordinated with the rest.
2006
National Plan for Good Living (PNBV)
Ecuador established the National Plan for Good Living as a way to plan and generate actions. The Plan permeated the entire state structure, integrating Health, Education, Labor and Social Inclusion sectors , among others. It created opportunities for citizen participation, from the national to the local level with a focus on rights. The plan has its own resources and it has Presidential and legislative support. It is a clear example of intersectoral action to build sustainable development.
2012
The Zero Hunger Pact and its Implementation in Tajumulco
The Zero Hunger Pact in Guatemala and its implementation in the municipality of Tajamulco, is a good example of how a national policy can be adopted and implemented locally through intersectoral cooperation. The Pact intervenes in the social determinants that generate malnutrition and inequality, improving access to food and nutrition of children in the municipalities and most vulnerable populations .
2011
Health Promotion Through Community Radio AMORB / FM
In Porto Alegre , Brazil, an example of intersectoral information exchange has been launched through a community radio microphone. The radio program " In the Radio Waves " talks and raises awareness about health and its promotion . Speakers have a dialogue with the audience on how to empower themselves to achieve a better quality of life and to learn about disease prevention. This is a case study of community organization, in collaboration with different institutions.
2009
Human sustainable development in Boca de Mao
The experience of Boca de Mao in the Dominican Republic is a local example that shows how the Health In All Policies (HiAP) approach may be present at a smaller scale. It showcases the level of coordination between a strong community organization that presents and manages its demands, and a holistic and coordinated response from various government sectors. The experience focuses its efforts on raising awareness through education and moving towards concrete actions on issues that concern the environment, food safety, health monitoring and nutrition.
2010
Life in Traffic: An Intersectoral Strategy
Since the mid 1990s, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, presented a persistent increase in traffic accidents. In 2010, the Ministry of Health proposed " Life in Traffic ", an intersectoral strategy that developed a Local Action Plan. By having joint collaboration and coordination with other sectors, it coordinated actions in raising awareness through education, outreach, plans and policies. Strong evidence supports the effectiveness of this program.