What are the most effective ways to promote health and wellness in developing countries?

1 Invest in public health

Public health is the science and practice of preventing disease, promoting health, and prolonging life through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, communities, and individuals. Investing in public health can have multiple benefits for developing countries, such as reducing the burden of morbidity and mortality, improving health equity, and strengthening health systems. Some of the key public health interventions include immunization, sanitation, hygiene, maternal and child health, nutrition, and disease surveillance and control.

2 Support universal health coverage

Universal health coverage (UHC) is the goal of ensuring that all people have access to quality, affordable, and essential health services, without facing financial hardship. UHC can improve health outcomes, reduce poverty, and promote social justice. To achieve UHC, developing countries need to mobilize domestic and external resources, expand and improve health infrastructure and workforce, and implement efficient and equitable health financing and delivery mechanisms.

3 Promote behavioral change

Behavioral change is the process of modifying individual or collective attitudes, beliefs, norms, and practices that influence health and wellness. Behavioral change can be influenced by various factors, such as information, incentives, social networks, and nudges. Promoting behavioral change can help prevent or manage chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, as well as reduce risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity.

5 Engage multisectoral and multilateral cooperation

Health and wellness are influenced by multiple determinants, such as economic, social, environmental, and political factors. Therefore, promoting health and wellness in developing countries requires multisectoral and multilateral cooperation among various actors, such as governments, civil society, private sector, academia, and international organizations. Engaging multisectoral and multilateral cooperation can facilitate policy coherence, resource mobilization, knowledge sharing, and collective action.

6 Empower individuals and communities

Individuals and communities are the agents and beneficiaries of health and wellness. Empowering individuals and communities means enhancing their capabilities, choices, rights, and responsibilities to improve their health and wellness. Empowering individuals and communities can involve education, awareness, participation, advocacy, and accountability. Empowering individuals and communities can also foster social capital, resilience, and empowerment.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?