Highlights and Key Takeaways from the 9th Global Conference on Health Promotion

Health promotion has increasingly become a global priority in recent years, with the 9th Global Conference on Health Promotion holding the key to shaping future strategies in this field. From 21-24 November 2016, health experts, policymakers and advocates from all over the world came together in Shanghai, China to discuss the latest trends and initiatives in promoting health and well-being.

The conference focused on the theme “Promoting Health in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” and highlighted the growing need for health promotion to be integrated into broader global development strategies. The SDGs have set ambitious targets for improving health and well-being across the world, and effective health promotion strategies are vital to achieving these goals.

One key takeaway from the conference was the importance of promoting health equity and addressing social determinants of health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Initiatives such as the “Healthy Cities” program, which focuses on creating more livable and healthy urban environments, were highlighted as effective ways of promoting health equity and reducing health disparities.

The conference also emphasized the need for multisectoral collaboration and partnerships across various industries to improve health outcomes. Speakers highlighted the potential for collaborations between the health sector and sectors such as education, housing and transportation to address social determinants of health and promote healthier lifestyles.

Another important takeaway from the conference was the need for targeted and evidence-based health promotion strategies. Speakers discussed the importance of developing initiatives tailored to specific populations and contexts, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. Examples such as the “World No Tobacco Day” campaign, which focuses on reducing tobacco use, were highlighted as evidence-based initiatives that have had a positive impact on public health.

Finally, the conference emphasized the importance of measuring the impact of health promotion initiatives to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability. This includes regularly collecting data on health outcomes and regularly evaluating progress towards health-related SDGs.

Overall, the 9th Global Conference on Health Promotion highlighted the importance of health promotion in achieving sustainable and equitable development, and emphasized the need for evidence-based, multisectoral and targeted strategies to address social determinants of health. By adopting these strategies, the world can move closer to achieving the SDGs and promoting health for all.

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