Call for papers, June 2016 issue – Deadline for submission: 31-01-2016
WHO/Europe invites papers for the second thematic issue of its journal Public Health Panorama on the topic of intersectoral action for public health and reduction of health inequalities in the European Region.
Public Health Panorama was launched by WHO/Europe in spring 2015. The second issue of the journal was a themed issue on intersectoral action for health and well-being.
The papers for the next thematic issue may be reports of scientific research or practice-oriented case studies that highlight lessons and experiences drawn from the long legacy of such action in the WHO European Region.
Intersectoral action and the Sustainable Development Goals
One of the aims of this themed issue is to strengthen discussion on intersectoral action in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adoption by all Member States in September 2015. The theme issue will consist of papers on intersectoral action among all the sectors relevant for tackling health inequality and promoting health and well-being. The invited papers will provide a stronger evidence base for policy and planning decisions.
Intersectoral action and Health 2020
Intersectoral action for health and well-being is fundamental to full realization of the Health 2020 vision. Health 2020 promotes governance for health, with emphasis on systemic, sustainable intersectoral action through whole-of-government, whole-of-society and health-in-all-policies approaches. Only such approaches can address today's growing systemic risks to health and maximize new opportunities.
The momentum for intersectoral action for health is growing in Member States in the European Region. In April 2015, the topic was addressed at two dedicated technical meetings, "Promoting intersectoral and interagency action for health and well-being in the WHO European Region: synergy among the health, education and social sectors" held in Paris, France, and "Strengthening health in foreign policy and development cooperation" held in Berlin, Germany. It was also addressed in high-level political fora such as the the meeting of the South-east European Health Network held in Belgrade, Serbia, in June 2015 and the second high-level meeting of the Small Countries Initiative held in Andorra la Vella, Andorra, in July 2015.
In September 2015, intersectoral action for health was discussed at the 65th Regional Committee meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania, and was the basis for discussions at the "WHO European Ministerial Conference on the Life-course Approach in the Context of Health 2020" in Minsk, Belarus, in October 2015, and for the subsequent Minsk Declaration.
Guidelines for submitting papers
We invite papers that describe good practice in intersectoral governance for health and well-being at the regional, national or subnational level of the WHO European Region. Priority will be given to papers that describe outcome-oriented approaches, successful practices, innovative solutions and lessons learnt.
Intersectoral collaboration and governance among the sectors of health, education, social welfare and labour will be a defining feature of this issue.
Papers should explicitly discuss the roles of intersectorality and whole-of-government approaches in addressing public health and sustainable development priorities, such as:
- the role of intersectoral action in working towards the SDGs;
- health inequalities, including among groups facing vulnerability;
- ensuring a healthy start in life and healthy children;
- tackling complex public health challenges, such as noncommunicable diseases, obesity, ageing and mental health, with a focus on the social determinants of health and equity;
- establishing new partnerships across sectors, including implementation of the European Environment and Health Process; and
- improving health literacy and empowerment and building resilient communities.
Papers should make reference to one or more of the following components:
- processes, tools and mechanisms in intersectoral governance for health at the political, strategic or technical level;
- political, financial and legal considerations for intersectoral governance;
- the sustainability of processes, tools and instruments;
- monitoring and evaluation of intersectoral processes or mechanisms; and
- accountability frameworks or mechanisms.
We welcome reports of experience in low-resource and transitional economies. Manuscripts may be submitted in either Russian or English. They should respect the guidelines for contributors and mention this call for papers in a covering letter. All submissions will be peer-reviewed. For further queries, please contact panorama@euro.who.int.
