Some aspects of public health vary by locality or jurisdiction. Political challenges are not one of them.

As governments on every scale become motivated by short-term economic gains, the essential causes of public health and equity are regularly subject to political questioning and financial short-cutting. Governing for Health is a counterpoint to this myopic approach, a passionate, rigorous case for why the health of a society is both its greatest measure and its most untapped source of prosperity.

Drawing on evidence from economic policy, urban planning, education, environmental policy, and civil action, Fran Baum offers more than a pie-in-sky vision of an equitable society. Governing for Health is an actionable (and inspiring) road-map to a society that draws prosperity from advancing the health of its people. It utilizes methods of progress-measuring, city planning, and progressive policy focal points to advance goals that are unreachable in traditional, economics-driven government practice.

Whether for students in health equity, more seasoned public health professionals, or citizens interested in their community's and their own health this book offers a trenchant, richly rewarding and accessible look at the field's ultimate end game, and with it, hope that it's closer than we think.

This title is available as an eBook. Visit VitalSource for more information or to purchase.

KEY FEATURES

• A timely, thoroughly researched case for policy and governance centered on public health
• An ideal text for students and courses in health equity, public health, and social science
• Argues that the dominance of economics in contemporary government and politics is a threat to the sustainability of human life on planet earth
• Offers examples of practical measures to change the way we measure progress, how we plan our cities, maintain strong public sectors, and promote a low-carbon economy - all as signposts to toward healthier, sustainable, and more equitable societies
• Includes innovative "well-being manifesto" – a guide for politicians who want to govern for health and equity

1.Introduction
2.The Power of Policy to Promote Health and Well-Being
3.Political Dimensions of Governing for Health: Leadership, Vision and a Manifesto
4.Health Sectors as Actors and Advocates for Health and Health Equity
5.Fiscal Policy: Central to Governing for Health
6.Education: Essential Investment in Health
7.Urban Planning
8.Creating an Ecologically Sustainable World to Support Environmental and Human Health
9.Local Government and Health Governance
10.Civil Society: Healthy Governance from Below
11.Conclusion: Six Health Messages for Governing for Health
References
Index

Fran Baum – Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor of Public Health, and Director of the Southgate Institute of Health, Society, and Equity, Flinders University, Australia.