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Health impact assessment

Assessments of health effects support decisions for healthy public policies (Photo: Istock)

Systematic assessments of health effects are needed to inform the development of policies and to include health in other sectors’ agendas. In fact, although there is substantial scientific knowledge on the adverse health effects of several environmental factors, regulatory policies often fail to reflect such knowledge adequately. Health impact assessment (HIA) aims at providing decision-makers with sound information on policies implications for health.

WHO/Europe provides tools and advice to Member States on HIA through building capacity, developing methodology, and carrying out assessments and reviews. It also works to increase awareness of health issues within other sectors by contributing evidence on health benefits and risks.