Why HPFs?

Why are HPF’s important in advancing health / why use this approach?
A number of advantages of having a health Promotion Foundation have been identified and documented. For example the excellent publication ‘The Establishment and use of Dedicated Taxes for Health’, WHO, 2004) [ link: http://www.wpro.who.int/publications/PUB_9290611715.htm ] provides a wealth of information on how to establish a health promotion foundation and the key arguments for a health promotion foundation. Written by Ms Addy Carol the former Director of one of our members, Healthway, this report provides a rationale for the introduction of tobacco taxes, some or all of which may be earmarked for health promotion activities and highlights the processes, strategies and challenges involved in establishing a Health Promotion Foundation.

A health promotion foundation can offer the following capacities:

• Funding health promotion initiatives to promote health and prevent disease;
• Building of a health promotion evidence base;
• Flexibility and an ability to work collaboratively across sectors;
• Advocating for health promoting policies;
• Ensuring public accountability;
• Addressing equity issues;
• Trialing innovative programs in sensitive areas (drugs, STIs, etc.) that may expose governments to political criticism.
• Ability to harness community involvement
• Ability to work with government but not as government
• Ability to work across a range of government departments and political parties
• Budget stability