New public health model with an integrated approach recognizes that public health problems cannot be solved by health sector alone. The health problems as mentioned above are not a single factor, it is multi-factors. People’s Charter for Health stressed that health is a social, economic and political issue and above all a fundamental human right. Inequality, poverty, exploitation, violence and injustice are at the root of ill-health (Baum, 2008 p.3). Many factors that affect health are beyond the control of the health sector (Junadi, 2007; Palutturi, 2010). The new public health model emphasizes. First, it focuses on physical infrastructure and social support, social capital, behavior, lifestyles as well. Second it recognizes the importance of law, rule and policy as crucial tool for public health. Third, medical approach is only one of the many professions contributing, intersectoral action is essential. Fourth, it places strong emphasis on community participation. Fifth, many research methodologies are legitimated it do not only emphasize epidemiology approach. Sixth, it focuses on prevention of disease, health promotion, and a positive definition of health. Seventh, it concerns with all treatments to health and the last is new public health approach recognizes the importance of equity and social justice for all (Baum, 2008).
Therefore, as health problems are complex and determinants of health are multi factors, they require stakeholders’ engagement to achieve a better health. Agencies outside the health sector play an important role to create healthy environment, to provide good quality of life to people. It is recognized that local government is a key player to lead health sector other agencies in building such collaboration to achieve health goals (Public Health Advisory Committee, 2008). The emphasis of intersectoral collaboration for health action today should bring changes in program and policies with increasing complexity in society and in governance (Public Health Advisory Committee, 2006). A comprehensive approach should address all of the determinants of health, such as the physical environment, social and economic factors and should reflect the WHO’ principles on Health for All by the year 2000 and beyond for instance community participation, health promotion, intersectoral collaboration and equity (WHO, 1999).
How to build collaboration and partnerships among relevant sectors? Barton (2000) proposed five-stage process for agencies which seek to collaborate on healthy urban planning: negotiate clear goals and purpose of the plan. Agencies should consult with widely with partners, public and politicians about the scope of their plans; establish the baseline by creating a city health profile which incorporates baseline social, health, economic and environmental conditions; scope and explore options; evaluate and refine policies-choosing policy should be open, clear, and transparent; and coordinate implementation (Barton, Tsourou, & World Health Organization. Regional Office for, 2000). This part will be discussed further in the separate chapter.
By considering a variety of health problems in the urban environment as implication of the urbanization and also urban planners that seldom considered social, economic and environmental aspects of health, healthy city project which was introduced by European World Health Organization will be a tool to solve health problems in the urban environment. Health city program offers a development concept which considers Health for All of WHO’s strategies such as health promotion, intersectoral collaboration and equity. Healthy city program also recognizes health sector engagement and other agencies to bring partners working together for action for health. To implement healthy city program partnership is very important to achieve the health goals and one of the major partners is local government.
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