Economic sectors such as transport, agriculture and housing have profound impacts on health. For instance, transport is a major factor in traffic injuries, air pollution and noise, and healthy transport policies can help reduce these risks, as well as promoting walking and cycling. In agriculture, fertilizers and pesticides may boost crop yields, but wise use is important to protect farm workers and consumers from excessive chemical exposure.
Health impact assessment can be a valuable tool for helping to develop policy and assisting decision-makers in these and other areas. Because HIA provides a way to engage with members of the public affected by a particular proposal, it can show that an organization or partnership wants to involve a community and is willing to respond constructively to their concerns. The views of the public can be considered alongside expert opinion and scientific data, with each source of information being valued equally within the HIA. The resulting decisions are often more easily accepted by all stakeholders because they are based on the ideals of transparency and active participation
Health impact assessment
Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a practical approach used to judge the potential health effects of a policy, programme or project on a population, particularly on vulnerable or disadvantaged groups. Recommendations are produced for decision-makers and stakeholders, with the aim of maximising the proposal's positive health effects and minimising its negative health effects. The approach can be applied in diverse economic sectors and uses quantitative, qualitative and participatory techniques.
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