“Health promotion governance”: A framework for operationalizing the Ottawa charter mechanisms in health system governance

Abstract

AbstractAccording to the Geneva Charter for well‐being, health is a political choice and governments have crucial roles in providing the prerequisites of health and well‐being for people in societies. To initiate the creation of sustainable well‐being in societies, the health systems of all countries must be governed by a health promotion approach. To propose a “health promotion governance framework,” we apply the concepts of good governance and the Ottawa Charter strategies/action areas to health system governance. To implement the good governance components within health systems, policymakers need to apply the three Ottawa Charter's strategies. Applying these strategies, the policymakers will be led to perform the five mechanisms through community‐based interventions for health promotion. As a result, they will achieve a health system with “health‐promoting governance.” Such a system can act so effective, efficient, equitable, and inclusive that it brings about better health outcomes. In this way, the proposed “health promotion governance framework” might be helpful in giving reality to the governance of health promotion in health systems, which is the first step in creating sustainable well‐being in societies.