Helena Leal, councilor for Health, Social Affairs, and Inclusion at the Funchal Municipal Chamber, highlighted the role of local authorities in health promotion and disease prevention. The statement was made during a conference-debate on the document “Paths of Consensus and Commitment for Health in Portugal,” organized by the National Health Council (CNS) at Colégio dos Jesuítas.
Leal praised the CNS's decentralized public consultation, believing the participatory process will foster a shared vision for Portugal's health future. She stressed that health is a collective responsibility, requiring the involvement of all societal sectors and citizens as active agents of their well-being.
The councilor advocated for an integrated approach considering social determinants of health, such as housing, education, environment, and social inclusion. The Funchal Municipality has been implementing prevention and health promotion policies, enhancing health literacy, and tailoring responses to local needs, citing examples like the Health and Well-being Division and the Funchal Food Strategy.
Helena Leal reaffirmed the Funchal Municipal Chamber's commitment to prioritizing health and collaborating with the Regional Government and other institutions. She concluded that municipalities are key agents in promoting health and reducing health inequalities, expressing the municipality's readiness to contribute to building healthier and more inclusive communities.
