But, since many of the determinants of health are outside the traditional system, building alliances with other sectors is a primary strategy for improving the health of the population. Other health-determining sectors that need to be involved include finance, justice, housing, education, recreation, the physical environment, employment, transportation and social services. The ideal outcome of these collaborations will be healthy public policies in a variety of sectors, as well as in the health sector itself. The health sector cannot do it all, nor can it impose its agenda on other sectors. It can, however, initiate dialogue and partnerships with others, and act as a collaborator for change.
All sectors stand to benefit from improvements in health and the conditions that influence health.
Healthy, well-educated, productive citizens who nurture their young people and live in a civic, egalitarian, sustainable society feel in control of their destiny. Improving health is everyone's business. Partners need to include voluntary, professional, business, consumer and labour organizations, private industry, governments and representatives of communities of faith, various cultures, population groups and disadvantaged groups. Together, we can give no greater gift to the next generation than a healthy future.