Activities of Local Government Units in Promoting Health

Health is population-based, representing a common good for society, which should be shaped and strengthened. The role of local governments in creating the level of health is invaluable and should be constantly strengthened, as it can be expressed not only through low morbidity or mortality rates in a given area, but also by minimizing behaviors that are not conducive to health. These behaviors consequently negatively affect the level of health security and the sense of social belonging. It is necessary to strive to increase the activity of local authorities in implementing activities that positively impact health, which can be achieved by conducting scientific research in this area.

Scientific advances are expected to mobilize local governments to be more proactive in implementing activities that affect health, such as health programs (e.g. vaccine programs, programs implemented in schools), influencing transportation, consumption, access to health-relevant products (e.g. tobacco, alcohol, fresh food), and physical activity facilities. This research topic is a platform for sharing the latest insights and findings on how to take effective action on health among local communities. It also aims to attract the immediate attention of local governments, businesses, researchers and individuals, and stimulate insightful and thoughtful discussions on the role of local governments in building community health capacity.

This research topic aims to explore the multifaceted benefits of local government activities in influencing population health. We are looking for high-quality manuscripts that provide new insights into this critical area of research. We encourage submissions of original research articles, comprehensive reviews, case studies, and perspective articles that address the following topics:

• Links between local government in the area of health program implementation activities and health behaviors/results;

• Health consequences of specific local government actions on health program;

• Implementation of health policy programs for the health of the people;

• Activities of local government in the prevention of diseases and health problems, health promotion and health education - implemented in the form of health programs;

• Local government activities in the prevention of mental and behavioral disorders - implemented in the form of health programs.

Keywords: local government, health programs, policy, public health

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.