Building resilience: a key pillar of Health 2020 and the Sustainable Development Goals: examples from the WHO Small Countries Initiative

ABSTRACT

This publication was developed under the framework of the WHO Small Countries Initiative, which is coordinated by the WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development, Venice, Italy, of the WHO Regional Office for Europe. It reviews the scientific basis for strengthening resilience, which is central to Health 2020, the WHO European policy framework for health and well-being. The publication explains the concept of resilience and its implications for health at three levels (individual, community and system/society). It presents knowledge gained on strengthening resilience in three countries participating in the WHO Small Countries Initiative (Iceland, Malta and San Marino). It describes on-the-ground action taken in these countries and the main lessons learnt in strengthening resilience and developing supportive environments for population health and well-being. The material presented in this publication is intended to inform other countries participating in the WHO Small Countries Initiative and encourage them to share their own experiences in strengthening resilience for health and well-being. This publication was tabled as a background document for the Technical briefing (EUR/RC67/TD/2) during the Sixty-seventh session of the Regional Committee for Europe, Budapest, 11–14 September 2017.