MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –
Source: Swiss Canton of Vaud – news in French
Press release
Published on August 28, 2024
Partners
A true X-ray of the physical and mental health of the people of Vaud, the 5th Basic Health Report has just been published. It was produced by Obsan for the canton of Vaud. While the overall health of the population remains good, several emerging or increasing issues reflect societal and environmental changes. This is the case, for example, with issues of mental health, internet addiction, adaptation to climate change or socio-demographic disparities. The Department of Health and Social Action considers the health of each person in Vaud as a priority, as well as equity in terms of access to services, and integrates this data into its social and health policies.
With the latest results of the 2022 Swiss Health Survey, Obsan offers an X-ray of the physical and mental health of the population. The Canton of Vaud, by choosing in 2002 to obtain specific data for its territory, benefits from reliable information allowing it to monitor the evolution of these results over time and to compare itself to the rest of the country. This data makes it possible to adjust socio-health policies in order to meet the health needs of each Vaudoise and Vaudois, from birth to the end of life, whether these needs are biological, psychological or social. In this respect, it is worth celebrating that a significant proportion of the Vaudois population considers their quality of life (87.3%) and their state of health (84%) to be good or very good. The quality of the last consultation with the doctor is also highly rated (95%) and demonstrates strong satisfaction with the health system.
The fact remains that there are still many areas for action. Some emerging or increasing issues are linked to societal and environmental developments. Thus, the increase in mental health issues goes hand in hand with changes in the world of work and the psychosocial risks associated with them (stress, dissatisfaction, difficulty in reconciling work and family, etc.). In the context of the sedentarization of our societies, we note that the rate of Vaudoises and Vaudois practicing sufficient physical activity is increasing, but still remains below the Swiss average. At the same time, there is an increase in problematic use of the internet, as well as in the consumption of addictive substances. Climate change and the context of successive crises also lead to health risks, particularly mental health. Finally, the Vaud population presents significant socio-demographic disparities. However, these gaps can influence the maintenance of health as well as access to care.
Faced with these challenges, the Canton is working on three axes: maintaining health and quality of life; organizing the health system; promoting quality care with efficient allocation of resources. In particular, it considers maintaining health as a priority and integrates health promotion and prevention into all its public health policies, as well as taking into account the social determinants of health. For example:
Climate: in response to rising temperatures, the State of Vaud has had a cantonal heatwave plan since 2009, which aims to protect the health of the population from the effects of heat waves, to limit the overload of the health system and to coordinate the various stakeholders called upon to intervene (www.vd.ch/chaleur). Mental Health: During Mental Health Month, the Department of Health and Social Action and partners offer various activities to the public. The next edition, which will take place from September 10 to October 10, is dedicated to stress (www.vd.ch/mental-health). Prevention: through prevention funds, the Canton offers a proactive policy in the area of disease prevention, health promotion and the fight against addictions (www.vd.ch/cpsla ). Addictions: the canton recently published the cantonal guide for early detection and intervention. Intended for professionals, it offers them tools to recognize as early as possible the first signs and indicators of problems related to addiction, to clarify the need to act in order to find appropriate measures and to support the people concerned (www.vd.ch/guide-reperage-precoce).
The publication is available on the information platform on the Vaud healthcare system www.infosan.vd.ch.
Information and Communication Office of the State of Vaud
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
