N O R T H E R N T E R R I T O R Y D E PA R T M E N T O F H E A LT H

Health Promotion
Strategic Framework 2011 - 2015

www.healthynt.nt.gov.au

NT Department of Health Health Promotion Strategic Framework 2011 - 2015

Background This framework provides a structure for describing the type of health promotion actions that are used across the Northern Territory. It enables a shared understanding of the actions that can be taken to improve health and wellbeing. It also provides guidance about embedding a health promotion approach into all planning processes, programs and service development across the NT. While this framework is intended to be used within the health sector, we strongly encourage other sectors and agencies outside of the health domain to use the framework. This framework should be used in conjunction with health promotion audit tools and other health promotion resources available in the NT, such as the Public Health Bush Books and the Quality Improvement Program Planning System (QIPPS). It is also designed to be used as a guide, together with other local, regional and national frameworks, policies, strategies and resources. Why Health Promotion? The World Health Organisation (WHO) acknowledges the growing evidence that health promotion and preventive health approaches are effective in improving overall health and wellbeing, reducing the burden of chronic disease and injury, addressing health inequities, facilitating the better use of resources and enhancing economic productivity.1 2 3 4 Striking a balance between investments in a health promoting approach that addresses the increasing burden to the healthcare system of preventable chronic conditions and investments that increases the level of expenditure in treatment services is a major component of health system reform. It is particularly important to utilise key performance indicators and