It
is with great pleasure that I introduce this new National
Health Promotion Policy for Papua New Guinea, which the government
has approved for implementation. This is the first time Papua
New Guinea has had a comprehensive national policy on health
promotion.
‘Health
Promotion’ is defined as the process of enabling people
to increase control over, and to improve their health. Best
practice in health promotion is outlined in the Ottawa Charter,
the Jakarta Declaration and the Healthy Islands Framework
Action Plan which state that the overall aim of health promotion
is to improve the health of the population and reduce the
differences in health status in a systematic way that is effective,
equitable and sustainable. This includes reducing the negative
impacts on health, increasing the options for healthy choices,
and processes that enable people and communities to increase
control over and improve their health. This policy is based
on internationally accepted best practice in health promotion.
With its
focus on health and not merely the absence of disease, health
promotion increases not only quantity but also quality of
life. Particularly in developing countries, health promotion
is recognized as key to improving population health status.
Health Promotion is a cornerstone of the National Health Plan
2001 – 2010 vision and is listed as the first priority
in the Plan.
A broad
range of factors influence health status and to address these,
a diverse combination of strategies is required, involving
a broad range of people from different sectors. It is critical
in health promotion to form partnerships and work collaboratively
to achieve health gains for communities. Health promotion
is everyone’s business and should be part of how an
organization goes about its work. It cannot be left to a select
few who heave health promotion in their job title. Health
promotion should be an integral part of any health sector
and other organisation’s business and health promotion
principles should be reflected in all polices, procedures
and activities.
This policy
is intended to guide health promotion throughout Papua New
Guinea. It is anticipated that not only government but also
the many partners who are involved in health promotion will
uphold the principles outlined in this policy. This includes
both government and non-government sectors at national, provincial,
district and community levels. The policy provides goals,
and guidelines for coordinated action across institutional
systems in Papua New Guinea. I hope that the future plans
of all government departments, non-government organizations
and the private sector will reflect the strategies outlined
iRAn this policy and that in so doing, together we can create
a healthier PNG.
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