Health and Well-being

Background

According to the World Health Organization, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” In other words, your health is about much more than physical ailments — it’s about emotional and social fitness, too.

On the other hand, wellness is the “active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is more than being free from illness; it is a dynamic process of change and growth.”

The two concepts are not opposites, but rather go hand in hand in one’s quest toward complete well-being.

Essentially, if health is the goal, wellness is the way we might achieve it. Wellness is the action while (good) health is the desired outcome.

Why it Matters

We can’t always choose the state of our health. High cholesterol and blood pressure are largely genetic. People are born with heart disease and a predisposition toward diabetes. Accidents cause injuries that last a lifetime. But wellness, on the other hand, is a choice.

We can choose to exercise regularly to manage our health conditions (where possible). We can choose to quit smoking and to take our medications as prescribed. We can see a therapist when our mental state needs some assistance.

Guiding Principles

• The Highest Quality, People- and Community-Centered Primary Health Care: We commit to continuous improvement in the quality of services and programs with all efforts oriented to meet the specific needs of the people and communities being served.

• Health Equity and Social Justice: We design services and programs to reduce health disparities and inequities. We also advocate for healthier public policy and against unfair practices and prejudices that harm people’s health.

• Community Vitality and Belonging: We partner with community members to build safe and caring communities where everyone is valued and feels like they belong.

What we do

Working hand in hand with our partners, PDS Health and Wellbeing Domain works in many different ways to promote community health and wellbeing across Egypt and Gulf Stats.

1. We advocate for increased focus, healthier public policy and a more effective, equitable and comprehensive primary health care system that addresses the determinants of health.

2. We support health care facilities to be leaders in primary health care transformation.

3.  And we lead and participate in research initiatives designed to improve population health, advance health equity and promote health system sustainability.