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Sweden's new public health policy -National public health objectives for
Sweden

Gunnar Ågren, Director General, Swedish National Institute of Public Health
- Updated january 2004.

National public health objectives for Sweden.

This publication paints a picture of public health today and provides a
more detailed description of the national public health objectives.
 Available online as PDF file at:
http://www.fhi.se/shop/material_pdf/newpublic0401.pdf

Swedish public health policy is based on eleven objectives containing the
most important determinants of Swedish public health. The overarching aim
is to create the conditions for good health on equal terms for the entire
population.

These eleven objectives are as follows:

1. Participation and influence in society

2. Economic and social security

3. Secure and favourable conditions during childhood and adolescence

4. Healthier working life

5. Healthy and safe environments and products

6. Health and medical care that more actively promotes good health

7. Effective protection against communicable diseases

8. Safe sexuality and good reproductive health

9. Increased physical activity

10. Good eating habits and safe food

11. Reduced use of tobacco and alcohol, a society free from illicit drugs
and doping and a reduction in the harmful effects of excessive gambling

 These objectives are based to a large extent on those set by the National
Public Health Committee. The objectives that have been removed relate first
and foremost to how public health work should be organized, the need for
research and training and how to provide better, more extensive health
information. These issues are discussed as part of other government
assignments given primarily to the National Institute of Public Health.

 The first six objectives relate to what are normally considered to be
structural factors, i.e. conditions in society and our surroundings that
can be influenced primarily by moulding public opinion and by taking
political decisions on different levels. The last five objectives concern
lifestyles which an individual can influence him/herself, but where the
social environment normally plays a very important part.

 Objectives are pointless if they are not concretized and monitored. It is
therefore the National Institute of Public Health57;s task to formulate
interim targets as and when

The National public health strategy for Sweden in brief

Brochure available online at:
http://www.fhi.se/shop/material_pdf/strategy.pdf

In the spring of 2003 the Swedish Parliament decided on a national strategy
for public health. The strategy is founded on one overall aim:
 "The creation of societal conditions which ensure good health, on equal
terms, for the entire population". A national health policy stipulating
eleven general objectives that cover the most important determinants of
Swedish public health. In addition, improving the health of those groups
that are most vulnerable to ill-health is particularly important

Public health work focuses on those factors that influence public health,
i.e. living conditions, environments, products and lifestyles. The
responsibility for these is divided among various sectors and different
levels in society. Successful public health work therefore requires active
efforts on the part of several actors in society within many different
policy areas.

Municipalities, county councils, voluntary organisations and other actors
can use the eleven general objectives in their own activities to achieve
the overall aim. The public health objectives can also be used as a basis
for formulating interim targets at various levels.

The Swedish National Institute of Public Health has a central role in
coordinating public health work on the national level. The Institute also
supports the implementation of the eleven general objectives, monitors and
evaluates them and develops indicators to show how well they are being met.
Progress is reported to the Government every 4 years in the form of a
public health report, which provides the basis of discussions on how
successfully the policy is influencing public health70;..61;

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