Health promotion transcends the realms of healthcare, advocating for the integration of health considerations into the agendas of policymakers across all sectors and levels of governance. It urges policymakers to recognise the health implications of their decisions and to embrace their accountability for public health.
Health promotion policy encompasses a variety of approaches, including legislation, fiscal measures, taxation, and organisational reform, all working in concert to promote health, income equality, and social equity (including gender equality). Coordinated efforts result in policies that foster fairer outcomes across various domains. Collaborative initiatives also contribute to the provision of safer and healthier products and services, as well as cleaner, more enjoyable environments.
Effective health promotion policy necessitates the identification of barriers hindering the adoption of health-conscious policies in non-health sectors, along with strategies for overcoming these obstacles. The overarching goal is to facilitate the adoption of healthier choices by policymakers, thereby promoting public health at large.
An example of health promotion policy in the context of primary prevention in women's health could involve the implementation of comprehensive sexual education programs in schools. These programs would cover topics such as contraception, reproductive health, consent, and healthy relationships.
For instance, WHISE recommends that Respectful Relationship Education should be routinely funded as part of the National Plan to end Violence Against Women. Fiscal measures would support the provision of resources for schools to implement these programs effectively, such as funding for Critical Friends, specialised educators, and educational materials. Furthermore, organisational changes may involve partnerships between schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to deliver comprehensive sexual education both in and out of the classroom.
This coordinated approach to health promotion policy in primary prevention women's health aims to empower young women and girls with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices, reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, sexual violence, and promote overall wellbeing throughout their lives.