Healthy settings – healthy islands (Part 2)

Abstract

Introduction: The Settings-Based Approach has been developing for nearly four decades, establishing itself as a fundamental tool for public health at local, national, and global levels. Its practical application covers a wide range of living spaces – cities, regions, schools, universities, hospitals, workplaces, islands, prisons, etc.

This text is the second part of the scientific study of the Healthy Islands Initiative. While the first part presented the historical development and theoretical framework, the present article focuses on its practical application.

The aim of this publication is to examine the application of the Healthy Islands Initiative, in particular its earliest programs.

Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar in 2024–2025 using the keywords "healthy islands", "programs", and "evaluation". Documents on the websites of the WHO and the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific were also reviewed.

Results: Three projects within the framework of the Healthy Islands Initiative are presented. Barriers to development and factors supporting the implementation of the initiative are identified.

Conclusion: Despite challenges such as limited resources, unstable institutional support, and lack of experience in health promotion, the successful implementation of the initiative is due to the adaptation of international health promotion programs to the local culture and social context, an integrated intersectoral approach, and active community participation.