“We must remember when people prosper, society and economies prosper. But that equation cannot be turned on its head. A prospering economy does not necessarily lead to well-being and prosperity for everyone, equally.” – Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe

The WHO European Well-being Economy Initiative, led by the WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development (Venice, Italy), is engaging the economy and finance sectors to invest in health equity and well-being.

Widening health and social inequities are having fatal consequences, undermining people’s trust in institutions and threatening future prosperity. With ongoing pressures on public budgets, now more than ever countries need new ways to invest in well-being, equity and healthy societies while maximizing the benefits for everyone.

WHO works to demonstrate the co-benefits of these investments for achieving sustainable and inclusive development. The intended impact is to leverage and shape how national governments and authorities generate new revenue and redirect existing spend into heath, equity and well-being policies and interventions.

Three specific themes have been identified as being of key interest to health, economy and finance stakeholders and as priorities for investment for multiple benefits:

• ageing
• youth mental health and inclusion
• the development of left-behind rural regions.

These issues have wide-ranging implications for health, economic resilience and social cohesion – and require multiple sectors to work together.

Through technical and normative work, country assistance, advocacy, and partnership with other international organizations, as well as other WHO programmes and WHO headquarters, WHO/Europe is supporting Member States to build the commitment for a well-being economy approach, with healthy societies and equity at the centre, while identifying and making investments with positive returns. This includes the use of fiscal policies and novel investment mechanisms, connected with well-being and prosperity indicators.

Health: A Political Choice, Dr Hans Kluge ‘Unlocking Health For All’

Pursuing Well-being, Equity and Healthy Societies Through Sustainable Fiscal Policies

Time is running out to meet the Sustainable Development Goals as health inequities widen and trust in government falls

Trust and transformation: an agenda for creating resilient and sustainable health systems

WHO Collaborating Centre for Policy Research on Determinants of Health Equity, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom

WHO Collaborating Centre on Investment for Health & Well-being, Public Health Wales