German cooperation-network 'equity in health'-health promotion in settings.
In 2003, the German Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) initiated the national Cooperation-Network (CN) 'Equity in Health'. The CN is constantly increasing in size and scope, supporting setting approaches aimed at reducing health inequalities. A detailed description of the CN has not yet been available in English. The CN comprises a total of 66 institutional cooperation partners. Information concerning the structure and activities can be found on a special website. Coordination Centres (CC) have been established in the 16 federal states, for the coordination of all state-specific activities. Funding for the CN and CC is provided by the BZgA, the German statutory sickness funds and by the state-specific ministries of health. These partners also support the continuous quality improvement, which is based on the good-practice criteria developed by the Advisory Committee of the CN. In 2011, the 'Municipal Partner Process (MPP)' has been launched, specifically supporting local partners and integrated life-course approaches focussing on children. In 2015, the focus has been widened to include all age-groups. In July 2015, a new national health law concerning health promotion and prevention has been ratified by the federal Parliament, with a focus on reducing health inequalities. Currently, the details of its implementation are discussed on a nationwide basis. The CN has long advocated for such a law, and today the CN is a well-accepted partner providing concepts, methods and a strong and long-standing network. The article closes with future challenges faced by the CN.
Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
Andreas
A
Mielck
Association for Health Promotion Berlin-Brandenburg (Gesundheit Berlin-Brandenburg e.V.), Friedrichstraße 231, 10969 Berlin, Germany.
Holger
H
Kilian
Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA), Maarweg 149-161, 50825 Cologne-Ehrenfeld, Germany.
Frank
F
Lehmann
State Health Association and Academy for Social Medicine of Lower Saxony, Fenskeweg 2, 30165 Hannover, Germany.
Antje
A
Richter-Kornweitz
Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Social Work, Health and Nursing, Flandernstraße 101, 73732 Esslingen, Germany.
Lotte
L
Kaba-Schönstein
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005858:Germany; D006266:Health Education; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000592:standards*; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D058996:Quality Improvement