G.9. Scientific session: Building capacities for community health practice: drawing lessons from France, Italy and Spain
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Community health (CH) is an area of scientific knowledge and practice that, despite its proven benefits for population health, well-being and equity, still does not receive the attention and investment it deserves from national public health systems. CH can strengthen the capacity of residents, civil society and local governments to respond to complex problems by increasing community ownership, mobilising their resources and building cross-sectoral partnerships. It can therefore improve access to primary care and capacity to address the social determinants of health and equity. As the world is facing multiple crises (global warming, economic and social crises), the aim of this workshop is to offer insights from three national models of organisation and support of community health actions and strategies. In this 60-minute workshop, our speakers will report on the state of integration of community health in 3 national health systems (i.e. France, Italy, and Spain) and provide insights on how this field of practice and research takes shape and is supported by national and regional gouvernments. They will look at the situation from both a local and national perspective. Taking a broad perspective of community health work that includes primary health care, our speakers will offer some elements of answers to the following questions:- How is community health positioned in these three health systems?- How is community health typically implemented and funded in each national context?- What are the current national trends in the development of community health practice and policy?- What is hindering or facilitating community health practice and development in these countries? This conversation, to which attendees will also be invited to contribute to, will provide insights on the shared challenges countries of Europe are facing and the possible mutual strategies they can implement to improve policies and practices to make the best out of the skills, knowledge and resources communities can mobilise. Key messages • There is a consensus on the need for health systems to be more geared towards local action. • National policies can contribute to strengthen community health practices and strategies.
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,181
OpenAlex ID: W7223664617