Health in all policies for happiness, wellbeing and health: a narrative review

Abstract

The pursuit of good health is fundamental to both personal well-being and social progress. The perception of health has advanced to include not only physical well-being but also mental and social dimensions, aligning with the WHO’s definition of health. Similarly, the importance of population health in fostering national development cannot be overstated.

The Health in All Polices (HiAP) framework, endorsed by the WHO, emphasizes the interconnectedness of health with various policy domains. This approach advocates for integrating health considerations into all sectors of governance, including transportation, education and economic planning. By encouraging dialogue and collaboration among diverse sectors, HiAP aims to create healthier environments and generate co-benefits that enhances overall societal well-being.

In the Bhutanese context where the national health policy emphasizes on holistic well-being, implementing HiAP represents a significant positive development. By prioritizing health across various policy domains, Bhutan can further enhance its national philosophy of gross national happiness and well-being.

This review aims to explain the critical apparatuses for successful implementation of HiAP in Bhutan, highlighting the pivotal roles of effective leadership, intersectoral collaboration and policy coherence in promoting happiness, health equity and fostering a healthy society.