Thinker in Residence Program

Flinders University was one of the partners for Professor Ilona Kickbusch's Thinkers' residency and Angela Lawless had the opportunity of working with Ilona and the team at the Thinkers Office. Ilona Kickbush will be known to most of you as the architect of the Ottawa Charter. In the 21st century Professor Kickbusch is calling for radical change in the way we think about and govern health. Health is increasingly being shaped by forces such as globalization, the speed and mobility of modern societies, and new media. These new influences have a profound effect on health.

Three main areas emerged during Professor Kickbusch's residencies. In all three areas health equity is a key consideration. Firstly Professor Kickbusch reiterated the message that public policy is a critical foundation for the creation of healthy societies. We must develop "policies for health" which work to address both the classic determinants of health and the new factors that emerge which influence health. This message has been received positively with a 'Health In all Policies' policy learning process developed to advance this approach in South Australia. Health sustainability, particularly the development of a strategic approach to the 'obesity epidemic' was another area of significant activity. Professor Kickbusch posed the challenge of creating Generation H (for Health) through intersectoral action to support the healthy development of young South Australians. Health Literacy was another area identified as requiring action to meet the challenges of 21st century societies. In order to navigate the complexities of modern societies people require new health competencies from self-managing chronic diseases to selecting healthy foods. A tripartite approach to health literacy includes the consumers, literacy friendly environments and the communication competence of health care professionals.

South Australia has figured prominently in international agenda-setting for health. In 1988 Adelaide hosted the Second International Conference on Healthy Public Policy. The Adelaide recommendations set an agenda that is still relevant today. Innovative primary health care approaches and health promotion have been developed in this state. It is hoped that Professor Kickbusch's residency and recommendations act to reinvigorate South Australia's efforts to achieve Health for All and position us again as international leaders.