Concept, science and practice of health promotion

Health promotion first emerged as a concept in the mid-1980s through work advanced by the World Health Organization to refresh public health policy and practice. The concept reflected the complex interactions between people and their environments, and the important role of public policy in improving health and equity. This work culminated in the Ottawa Charter for health promotion which has provided a benchmark guiding public health practice since. This Chapter examines the evolution of the concept of health promotion; evidence and experience in the planning, implementation and evaluation of practical programs, and; emergent challenges and opportunities.