We envision a society where everyone lives in healthy communities and the benefit of good health is equally accessible to all. The IHPA and its members are driven by this view of public health, using their expertise to promote and protect health and well-being, preventing ill-health and prolonging life, through the organised efforts of society, of professionals, leaders and community based groups. We believe those who have the least deserve our best; we have a stubborn insistence that tomorrow’s world must be better than today’s.
We believe in the need for health improvement through the reduction of inequalities, better housing and access to employment, and are committed to acknowledging diversity, equity, and inclusion. We also seek to understand the underlying causes of disparity and the way those factors influence all of us, as well as the communities we serve. We recognise the role of the state, and the underlying socio-economic and wider determinants of health and disease. We understand the responsibility of individuals in their lifestyle choices, and the need for population surveillance and monitoring of specific diseases and risk factors.
Public health is population based and emphasises the role of primary care and our collective responsibility for health, its protection and disease prevention. We work in partnership with all those who contribute to the health of the population whether they are in government or work in and with local communities. We take stock of the health and social care needs of populations, as well as the efficiency and effectiveness of the services. Managing and improving healthcare services requires excellent leadership skills and strategic decision-making to improve the systems in place.
There have been many resounding statements and manifesto pledges – and broken promises. IHPA aims to give those pledges reality by achieving change for the public good. At strategic level, IHPA advises public and private healthcare companies, government and international organisations about their business plans, strategies and policies. It is at local level, however, that important improvements often may best be made. Our work is centred on evidence, health intelligence and evaluation which we use to understand and promote better health and better value health care.
The IHPA, a non-governmental organization, promotes the right to health and wellbeing for every citizen, through working with governments and others to strengthen health systems and develop strategies that promote health, prevent disease and encourage healthy lifestyles.
It seeks international contacts, partnerships with other organizations, assists its members and performs and supports research and development in its field.
