The public health system and health promotion organizations of Italy

Abstract

In the article we present the lessons learned from studying the public health system and health promotion organizationsof Italy, to determine the possible directions for further development of the Hungarian health promotion network. We briefly describe the main roles of the public administration levels and organizations in the public health system, present relevant strategies and legislation affecting the development and functioning of the public health system, and summarize the tasks and activities of organizations at national, regional and community level. In Italy, a decentralized system based on a precise division of tasks has been established, where the regional government has wide-ranging responsibilities. The organization of services is delegated to regional level, but the national health strategy is defined by the ministry, which sets out the objectives to be achieved and priorities for the other actors. Local Health Units play an important role in providing healthcare and public health services responsive to community needs and also in coordinating services.