Health Promotion Switzerland

In Switzerland, Health Promotion Switzerland is a leading national player in health promotion. Health Promotion Switzerland is a public, half–autonomous foundation established by an Act of Parliament (Swiss Federal Health Insurance Act from 1994, enacted in 1996). Board members are proposed by the foundation and need to be confirmed for four years by the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs. The scientific advisory board assists the foundation’s council in matters of knowledge-based strategic development and to assess activities. The foundation is accountable to the Swiss government but it does not replace government activities in health promotion and disease prevention but produces added value.

Health Promotion Switzerland initiates, supports and carries out activities for the benefit of the population living in Switzerland. By law, the foundation’s council is composed of representatives from the Swiss federal government, the Swiss cantons (federal states), Swiss health insurance companies, the Swiss Accident Insurance Fund (SUVA), medical and other health professions, public health research, associations active in health promotion and consumer protection as well as other partners. This governance structure allows key stakeholders to work together to promote health and improve the quality of life.

Health Promotion Switzerland employs about 30 staff from all parts of Switzerland and from some other countries, all dedicated to meeting the professional standards expected of a leading national health promotion organization.

According to its long-term strategy 2007-2018, Health Promotion Switzerland focuses on three core issues:

• Strengthening health promotion and disease prevention (different nationwide strategic activities and projects)
• Healthy body weight (nation-wide program)
• Mental health and stress with special focus on workplace health promotion/ health management (different nationwide projects/ programs)