Spain: Intersectoral collaboration, extensive networks and co-creative principles (Madrid Salud)

Abstract

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of mortality in the WHO European Region. New and innovative approaches are required to meet defined targets for NCD prevention and control. There is growing evidence that the arts can support health and wellbeing, from health promotion to disease prevention, treatment and management. The ambitious targets for reducing the burden of NCDs require new, innovative, evidence-informed approaches, which include arts-based initiatives. This report presents the proceedings of an expert meeting held on 15–16 December 2022 in Budapest, Hungary, on the value of arts interventions for health and on initiatives for mainstreaming arts into NCD prevention and control in the WHO European Region. Meeting participants included academics in a range of disciplines, civil society groups, Member State representatives and WHO delegates. Presentations and group discussions were complemented by live “art breaks”, illustrating a core principle of the meeting – that participating in the arts is itself healthy behaviour.