Achieving well-being - A draft global framework for integrating well-being into public health utilizing a health promotion approach
Overview
In accordance with resolution WHA75.19 and as described in document EB152/20, the draft global framework has been made available for the consideration of the Executive Board at its 152nd, 30 January -7 February 2023.
The ‘well-being societies’ perspective – which stems partly from awareness and appreciation of Indigenous knowledge systems – provides the foundations for all members of current and future generations to thrive on a healthy planet, despite crises, and no matter where they live. This approach emphasizes that all individual and collective dimensions of life are important throughout the life course. Well-being societies apply bold policies and transformative approaches that are underpinned by, among others:
- A positive vision of health that integrates physical, mental, psychological, emotional, spiritual and social well-being.
- The principles of human rights, social and environmental justice, solidarity, gender and inter-generational equity, and peace.
- New indicators of success, beyond gross domestic product, that take account of individual and societal well-being and lead to new priorities for public spending on health.
- The focus of health promotion on empowerment, inclusivity, equity and meaningful participation.
The growing momentum towards the well-being perspective calls for a new social contract that balances social, economic and environmental considerations at the centre of political and societal decision-making. Such policies and actions are based on whole-of-government and -society approaches that aim to achieve more coordinated and coherent responses.