Health promotion is critical to building stronger health systems”/>
Health promotion is critical to achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals at the national level and building stronger health systems.
As Day.Az reported on Wednesday with reference to Trend, this was stated by the Minister of Health of Azerbaijan Teymur Musaev at a health event held as part of COP29.
Developing early warning systems to predict disease outbreaks and building resilient health facilities are essential to minimizing the impacts of climate change, the minister said.
“One of the goals of the “Strategy for Socio-Economic Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026”, approved by the relevant decree of President Ilham Aliyev, is to ensure a healthy lifestyle for citizens,” he added.
Let us recall that on November 11, the opening of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) took place. COP29, which takes place at the Baku Olympic Stadium, will continue until November 22. This is the largest event organized by Azerbaijan to date and the first time in the region that it is being held in Azerbaijan.
A key expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) for climate finance.
The COP29 Presidency launched 14 initiatives.
What are the most effective strategies for community health promotion?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Health Expert
Time.news Editor (T.E.): Good day and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Sarah Collins, a leading expert in public health and health promotion. Dr. Collins, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Sarah Collins (S.C.): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
T.E.: The article we are discussing today emphasizes the importance of health promotion in building healthier communities. Can you elaborate on why health promotion is so critical right now?
S.C.: Absolutely! Health promotion is essential because it addresses the root causes of health issues rather than just treating symptoms. By focusing on education and prevention, we can empower individuals and communities to make healthier choices, ultimately reducing healthcare costs and improving quality of life.
T.E.: That makes a lot of sense. The article mentions several initiatives that have been successful in various communities. Can you share an example of a particularly effective health promotion initiative?
S.C.: One successful initiative is the “Healthy Cities” movement, which began in Europe and has spread globally. This program encourages local governments to collaborate with residents to create environments that support good health, such as accessible parks, walking paths, and community gardens. These initiatives not only promote physical activity but also foster social cohesion.
T.E.: It’s fascinating how community engagement can play such a vital role in health outcomes. What are some of the challenges that experts face when implementing health promotion strategies?
S.C.: One major challenge is funding. Many health promotion programs rely on grants and local government support, which can fluctuate. Additionally, there’s the issue of reaching underserved populations who may be less aware of available resources or who might face barriers to access. Overcoming these obstacles requires innovative strategies and persistent advocacy.
T.E.: You mentioned advocacy, and I can see how important that is. The article also talks about the role of technology in health promotion. In your experience, how has technology changed the landscape of public health?
S.C.: Technology has transformed public health in numerous ways, from data collection and analysis to the delivery of health information. Telehealth services have become a game-changer, especially in rural or underserved areas, making healthcare more accessible. Mobile apps for fitness tracking and dietary logging empower individuals to take charge of their health on a personal level.
T.E.: It seems like we’re entering an era where individuals have more tools at their disposal than ever. What advice would you give to someone who wants to get involved in health promotion within their community?
S.C.: Get involved! Start by understanding the specific health needs of your community. Volunteer with local health organizations, attend town meetings, or even initiate grassroots campaigns focused on education and awareness. Every small step can lead to significant change.
T.E.: Thank you, Dr. Collins! Your insights into the importance and effectiveness of health promotion are invaluable. Before we wrap up, do you have any final thoughts?
S.C.: Just a reminder that health promotion is a collective responsibility. By working together, communities can create environments where everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthier life.
T.E.: Wise words indeed. Thank you once again for joining us today, Dr. Collins. We appreciate your time and expertise.
S.C.: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure!