Country success stories

WHO / PAHO

In Chile, the Programa de Recuperación de Barrios (Neighborhood Recovery Program) works to improve the quality of life in the country's neighborhoods through community engagement, and a multisectoral collaboration of over 10 governmental institutions and policy sectors, including the ministries of the environment, health, and of internal affairs. The Program has improved perceptions of security among residents living in impoverished areas by supporting both infrastructure projects (sidewalks, bike paths, green areas, community and sports facilities) and social projects.

Four children and two adults are sitting on a bench

In Costa Rica, local governments in the Bruna region have integrated intersectoral teams within existing committees to instill partnership working between primary care teams, local governments and the community. These Cantonal Councils for Interinstitutional Coordination identify priority areas of work, such as unemployment, citizen insecurity, adolescent drug use, and multidimensional poverty. As a result, 131,390 people have benefited through, for example, life skills development, across local populations: Osa (31 383), Golfito (46,523), Corredores (53,484), and Coto Brus (44,280).

Two women health workers are walking in a country landscape

India provided crucial economic relief and cash transfers totalling Rs 68.8 billion to more than 420 million people on low-income during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package, which included cash and in-kind (food) benefits reduced food insecurity, with rural households experiencing decreases of 2.4% and 0.92% in severe and moderate food insecurity, respectively.

In Lao PDR CONNECT encourages community representatives, health and local government staff to work together to identify locally specific solutions to improve the social determinants of health equity. Evaluations show overall improved trust in the health system, leading to more poorer families accessing services, increased uptake of essential services, including vaccinations and enhanced water access. Nationally, intersectoral collaboration has been formalized through a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministries of Health and Home Affairs, and through the recent Primary Health Care law.

A girl in a bathroom with mold on the walls

New Zealand Established in 2013, the Healthy Homes Initiative focuses on improving housing quality, including insulation, heating and ventilation. for low-income Māori and Pacific families with young children. The partnership between government agencies and local providers has reduced housing-related hospitalizations by 18.6% in five years and led to better school attendance and employment outcomes among families.

In Morocco, the agricultural sector accounts for about a third of total employment, with over half of female employment (in 2019). Agricultural workers have historically faced long hours, low pay, and limited maternity benefits. While sector-wide collective bargaining is lacking in rural areas, some enterprise-level agreements have been signed. In April 2022, the Government signed a national tripartite agreement to improve workers' living conditions and modernize collective bargaining laws. This led to the creation of the National Observatory for Social Dialogue, focusing on gender-sensitive negotiations and clauses aimed at gender equality. The agreement also sought to enhance Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) by mapping risks, improving labor inspector and physician capacities, and analyzing OSH indicators.

Since 1974, Sweden has offered paid parental leave to both parents, with fathers now taking nearly 30% of the leave, helping to balance the distribution of unpaid care usually done by women. Tax-funded education, health services and subsidised early childcare enhances work-life balance and labour-force participation, and reduces gender, socio-economic and health inequities. Disadvantaged children enrolled in early education programmes in Sweden perform better academically than those not enrolled. New rules in 2024 allowing up to 480 days of partially paid parental leave, and the transfer of up to 45 days of leave to grandparents or friends, supports active ageing and community engagement and delivers economic and health equity benefits across generations.

Two boys leaning against a wall, gazing at a city and its lush green surroundings.

Preston, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has a community wealth building strategy, which uses local procurement and employment levers to improve residents' economic well-being, redirects public spending to local suppliers and supports cooperative business models. This public-sector-led approach led to a 9% increase in life satisfaction and an 11% rise in median wages compared to expected trends. Health indicators improved, with reductions in antidepressant prescribing and lower depression prevalence. This approach highlights how inclusive local economic strategies can enhance financial security and population health.

Zimbabwe has installed solar photovoltaic systems in over 400 health facilities, which provide reliable electricity to over 6.5 million people (as of 2018) —extending operating hours, boosting staff retention, and improving maternal care and life-saving procedures. The UNDP led Solar for Health initiative harnesses untapped solar energy to power critical health infrastructure amid persistent energy shortages, particularly in underserved areas.