Dimensions of Action on Supportive Environments for Health
In a health context the term supportive environments refers to both the physical and the social aspects of our surroundings. It encompasses where people live, their local community, their home, where they work and play. It also embraces the framework which determines access to resources for living, and opportunities for empowerment. Thus action to create supportive environments has many dimensions: physical, social, spiritual, economic and political. Each of these dimensions is inextricably linked to the others in a dynamic interaction. Action must be coordinated at local, regional, national and global levels to achieve solutions that are truly sustainable.
The Conference highlighted four aspects of supportive environments:
The social dimension, which includes the ways in which norms, customs and social processes affect health. In many societies traditional social relationships are changing in ways that threaten health, for example, by increasing social isolation, by depriving life of a meaningful coherence and purpose, or by challenging traditional values and cultural heritage.
The political dimension, which requires governments to guarantee democratic participation in decision-making and the decentralization of responsibilities and resources. It also requires a commitment to human rights, peace, and a shifting of resources from the arms race.
The economic dimension, which requires a re-channelling of resources for the achievement of Health for All and sustainable development, including the transfer of safe and reliable technology.
The need to recognize and use women's skills and knowledge in all sectors - including policy-making, and the economy - in order to develop a more positive infrastructure for supportive environments. The burden of the workload of women should be recognized and shared between men and women. Women's community-based organizations must have a stronger voice in the development of health promotion policies and structures.