Inca, Muro, Felanitx, Porreres and the Council of Formentera are now part of the Healthy Municipalities Programme promoted by the Health Department. The initiative aims to integrate health into local policies.
The Health Department has launched the Healthy Municipalities Programme in the Balearic Islands, an initiative that seeks to integrate health into local policies. Inca, Muro, Felanitx, Porreres and the Insular Council of Formentera are already part of the project.
The Directorate General of Public Health presented the Healthy Municipalities Programme of the Balearic Islands this Tuesday, developed alongside the Federation of Local Entities of the Balearic Islands (FELIB). The aim is to promote environments that enhance the well-being of the population.
Inca, the most advanced municipality
Of the five municipalities, Inca is the most advanced: it has already completed the community diagnosis prior to defining the actions. Muro is currently working on that phase, while Felanitx and Porreres are at the beginning of the process. Formentera has just joined.
The programme is based on the premise that health does not solely depend on healthcare, but also on factors such as urban planning, mobility, education, sports, the environment, and citizen participation. Therefore, it encourages local councils to incorporate health into all their decisions.
Participatory community diagnosis
Before defining specific measures, each municipality will develop a community diagnosis with the participation of residents, associations, entities, and professionals. This will help identify needs and priorities. The Directorate General of Public Health will provide guidance throughout the process.
The actions will vary depending on each locality and may include projects such as healthy routes, school paths, community gardens, emotional well-being programmes, or initiatives to combat unwanted loneliness among the elderly.
Prevention and social cohesion
With this programme, the Health Department aims to strengthen disease prevention, promote healthy habits, reduce health inequalities, and move towards more sustainable and cohesive municipalities. For residents, this will translate into more spaces for outdoor sports, more friendly urban environments, and community activities that improve their quality of life.
The next step will be for interested municipalities to join the network. The Health Department has already opened the period for new memberships. Local councils wishing to participate can contact the Directorate General of Public Health for information and advice.
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