Lokaal integraal gezondheidsbeleid: realistische uitdaging of utopie? : Een onderzoek binnen gemeenten naar mogelijkheden tot intersectorale samenwerking

The importance of an integral health policy, also called ‘Health in All Policies’, is (inter)nationally emphasized. Intersectoral cooperation is a prerequisite to achieve integral policy. However, locally few initiatives are taken to intersectoral cooperation. This dissertation examines the possibilities of working internally within a municipal organisation on a coherent health policy, in general and more specifically for overweight. Important elements are: how do you place health properly on the agenda of the local authorities, especially of officials who are not responsible for health issues? Can a Community Health Service stimulate municipalities to create a broader view on health? The research shows that for stimulating intersectoral cooperation concerning health problems commitment and dedication are required on all hierarchic levels in a municipality. Integral policy development needs administrative attention from the entire City Council, decisive direction at management level from the municipality, room in the policy process and competent Community Health Service professionals.