The five most important Health Policy/Public Health decisions or events in 2007 in Iceland

摘要

The overall aim of the Icelandic government is to provide a health service that is comparable to the best health services available in the world. This aim applies both to tackling the consequences of ill-health and to shaping the determinants of health. The Icelandic government acknowledges that the task at hand is a dichotomous one. The mandate of a new government, which took office in May 2007, clearly indicates the importance of public health and actions through preventive and promotional means of providing a clearer focus on and increased resources for improving public health. Issues that have mainly raised the government's concerns over public health are directly related to health behaviour, e.g. increased obesity and mental health problems, lack of exercise, and problems related to substance use.