'Social, innovative and smart cities are happy and resilient': insights from the WHO EURO 2014 International Healthy Cities Conference.

This paper provides a brief overview of, and elaborates on, some of the presentations, discussions and conclusions from Day 4 of the 'WHO EURO 2014 International Healthy Cities Conference: Health and the City - Urban Living in the 21st Century', held in Athens, Greece on 25 October 2014. The Internet of Things (IoT) is made of sensors and other components that connect our version of the world made of atoms, i.e., humans/our bodies, our devices, vehicles, roads, buildings, plants, animals, etc., with a mirror digital version made of bits. This enables cities and regions to be self-aware and dynamically reconfigurable in real- or near-real-time, based on changes that are continuously monitored and captured by sensors, similar to the way the internal biological systems of a living being operate and respond to their environment (homeostasis). Data collected by various IoT sensors and processed via appropriate analytics can also help predict the immediate future with reasonable accuracy, which enables better planned responses and mitigation actions. Cities and regions can thus become more adaptable and resilient in face of adversity. Furthermore, IoT can link atoms (humans) to other atoms (humans) (again via bits), resulting in the formation of 'smart(er) communities' that are socially connected in new ways and potentially happier. Cities, but also less urbanised regions and the countryside, could all benefit from, and harness the power of, IoT to improve the health, well-being and overall quality of life of the local populations, actively engage citizens in a smarter governance of their region, empower them to better care for one another, promote stronger social inclusion, and ensure a greener, sustainable and more enjoyable environment for all. Technology can also help reverse the 'brain drain' from the countryside and smaller towns to larger metropolises by making the former more attractive and connected, with better services akin to those found in larger cities. The article also discusses some ways of measuring and benchmarking the performance of smart cities and their impact on well-being. However, it should be emphasised that technology is not a panacea and that other factors are equally important in creating happier and healthier cities and regions.

Health 2020--achieving health and development in today's Europe.

The 21st-century health landscape is shaped by growing global, regional and local interdependence and an increasingly complex array of interlinking factors that influence health and well-being. Most of today's major public health challenges, including noncommunicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, health inequalities and the health effects of austerity measures in some countries, cannot be addressed effectively without intersectoral and coordinated action at supranational, national and local levels. The 53 countries of the WHO European Region developed and adopted a European policy framework and strategy for the 21st century (Health 2020) as a common, evidence-informed policy framework to support and encourage coordinated action by policy-makers at all levels and in all sectors to improve population health and well-being. This article presents the development process of Health 2020 and its main strategic goals, objectives and content. Further, we describe what is needed to successfully implement Health 2020 in countries and how can WHO provide technical assistance to countries that embark on developing health policy aligned with the Health 2020 policy framework.

Санитарная грамотность: убедительные факты

Сегодня, когда общества становятся все более многогранными, а людей все чаще буквально забрасывают как правдивой, так и ложной информацией по вопросам здравоохранения, важность медико-санитарной грамотности трудно переоценить. У людей, обладающих прочными навыками в области медико-санитарной грамотности, лучше здоровье и благополучие, тогда как те, у кого подобные навыки находятся на низком уровне, как правило, практикуют более рискованное поведение и менее здоровы. Данный доклад основывается на фактических данных, полученных в результате проведенного недавно Европейского опросного исследования в области медико-санитарной грамотности. В нем определены эффективные практические шаги, которые могут предпринять органы управления общественным здравоохранением и другими направлениями в рамках сектора охраны здоровья, активисты и заинтересованные стороны для повышения медико-санитарной грамотности в самых различных контекстах: в образовательных учреждениях, на рабочих местах, в сфере коммерческой деятельности и торговли, в системах здравоохранения, в новых и традиционных медийных средствах и на политической арене. Этот доклад может использоваться в качестве инструмента для расширения осведомленности, стимулирования дебатов и исследований и, прежде всего, для обоснования разработки политики и осуществления практических действий.

Healthy cities: promoting health and equity – evidence for local policy and practice: summary evaluation of Phase V of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network

This publication summarizes the evaluation of Phase V (2009–2013) of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network. The evaluation process was designed in collaboration with city representatives, academic institutions and public health experts. It adopted a realist synthesis approach, being responsive to the unique social, cultural, political,health and epidemiological circumstances in the 99 cities in the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and 20 accredited national networks. The evaluation findings are rooted in the enduring healthy city values such as equity, governance, partnership, participation and sustainability. Considering also the core Phase V themes, this publication focuses on policy and governance, healthy urban environments and design, caring and supportive environments, healthy and active living, national network performance and effects on health and equity. The evaluation finds good progress among cities and networks but differing in scale and quality. The healthy cities movement adds value and allows local governments to invest in health and well-being and address inequities through novel approaches to developing health.

Health literacy: the solid facts

This publication makes the case for policy action to strengthen health literacy. Evidence, including the results of the European Health Literacy Survey, is presented that supports a wider and relational whole-of-society approach to health literacy that considers both an individual’s level of health literacy and the complexities of the contexts within which people act. The data from the European Health Literacy Survey show that nearly half the Europeans surveyed have inadequate or problematic health literacy. Weak health literacy skills are associated with riskier behaviour, poorer health, less self-management and more hospitalization and costs. Strengthening health literacy has been shown to build individual and community resilience, help address health inequities and improve health and well-being. Practical and effective ways public health and other sectoral authorities and advocates can take action to strengthen health literacy in a variety of settings are identified. Specific evidence is presented for educational settings, workplaces, marketplaces, health systems, new and traditional media and political arenas.

Palliative care for older people: better practices

Populations around the world are ageing, and more people are living with the effects of serious chronic illness towards the end of life. Meeting their needs presents a public health challenge. This publication aims to provide examples of better palliative care practices for older people to help those involved in planning and supporting care-oriented services most appropriately and effectively. Examples have been identified from literature searches and from an international call for examples through various organizations, including the European Association of Palliative Care and the European Union Geriatric Medicine Society. Some examples consider how to improve aspects within the whole health system; specific smaller examples consider how to improve palliative care education, support in the community, in hospitals or for specific groups of people, such as people in nursing homes and people with dementia and their families. Some examples await rigorous evaluation of effectiveness, and more research is needed in this field, especially the cost–effectiveness and generalizability of these initiatives. This publication takes both an individual person and a health systems approach, focusing on examples from or relevant to the WHO European Region. The publication is intended for policy-makers, decision-makers, planners and multidisciplinary professionals concerned with the care and quality of life of older people.

Home care in Europe: the solid facts

Demographic, epidemiological, social, and cultural trends in European countries are changing the traditional patterns of care. The next decades will see rising numbers of care-dependent older people and noncommunicable diseases as the leading cause of chronic illness and disability. Further, urbanization and the break-up of the traditional large family group will lead to gaps in the care of older or disabled family members. These changes in needs and social structure require a different approach to policy and services in the health and social sectors; a disease-oriented approach alone is no longer appropriate. Home care could be an answer to these issues: a sustainable approach to prevent the need for unnecessary institutionalization and to maintain people in their homes and communities as long as possible. Along with new forms of service delivery organization, technological innovation can represent a viable solution to developing home care in Europe. This publication is part of the work of the WHO Regional Office for Europe to present evidence for health policy- and decision-makers in a clear form. It explains why health and social services should provide high-quality and targeted home care for disabled and older people. It provides evidence for the effectiveness of home care, shows how it can be improved and explains the need to ensure equitable access. It also explores the varied cultural and care contexts in different countries, reveals how to educate professionals and the public about these issues, and seeks to broaden awareness, stimulate debate and promote action.

A healthy city is an active city: a physical activity planning guide

With this guide, city leaders can create a plan for physical activity, active living and sport in their city or community. It describes how the approach relates to the Healthy Cities movement, why people need active living opportunities and who to involve; how to create, implement and evaluate the plan; and what tools, good examples and other sources to use. The guide will be invaluable not only to city leaders and local governments, but also to all those they seek to involve in the process: city departments, nongovernmental organizations, schools and educators, the health sector, the private sector and residents themselves.

Mass gatherings and public health: the experience of the Athens 2004 Olympic games

The Olympic Games are a very popular but also vulnerable global event and thus intrinsically raise the expectations of the international community on all aspects of preparedness, including public health. This is the first time that the whole public health and health care experience from Olympic Games has been incorporated into one comprehensive publication. The book contains strategic, technical and scientific information about epidemiological surveillance, environmental management, emergency and hospital care, preparedness for the potential deliberate use of explosives, biological and chemical agents or radionuclear material, disease prevention as well as coordination and unified command. It also highlights that mass sports gatherings such as the Olympics can be powerful platforms for promoting health messages, especially physical activity and active living, healthy nutrition and avoidance of smoking. Finally, it synthesizes the conclusions and lessons learned, and offers insights and strategic points for future organizers of mass gatherings.

National healthy cities networks: a powerful force for health and sustainable development in Europe

National healthy cities networks are the backbone of the Healthy Cities movement in Europe. They provide political, strategic and technical support to their members, are a national resource of experience and expertise in health development, and offer a dynamic platform for public health advocacy at the national and international level. Each national network is unique. Each one develops in response to the needs of its member cities, with the resources available and within its own cultural and legal framework. This publication has two parts: analysis of the multifaceted work and achievements of national networks across Europe, and a profile of each network focusing on its special features, successes and aspirations.

Health promoting universities: concepts, experience and framework for action.

It provides conceptual and practical guidance on how to set up and develop a health-promoting university project. Document in pdf format.

Health promoting universities: concept, experience and framework for action

Institutions of higher education have long been concerned about promoting health among students. The settings-based approach to health promotion can potentially enhance the contribution of universities to improving the health of populations and to adding value in the following ways: by protecting the health and promoting the well-being of students, staff and the wider community through their policies and practices; by increasingly relating health promotion to teaching and research; and by developing health promotion alliances and outreach into the community. This working document provides conceptual and practical guidance on how to set up and develop a health-promoting university project. It combines a series of innovative case studies from the United Kingdom and the outcome of a WHO round table meeting on the criteria and strategies and operational attributes of the Health Promoting Universities project, and an action framework for a European Network of Health Promoting Universities.