Healthy housing: A case study of intersectoral collaboration for better health

Residency areas are primary social factors that directly and indirectly affect health and in synergy with other factors, changes health equity indices. Qazvin as one of the provinces in the Islamic Republic of Iran has been a pioneer in the provision of an integrated health program with intersectoral collaboration approach and the participation of residents. In this study required data was gathered in a qualitative method by reviewing documents, group discussions with stakeholders and residents and interviews with key informed individuals. In the beginning, stakeholder’s analysis revealed highly effective organizations and their method of cooperation. Insufficient access to housing, weak security, insufficient swage system and deficiency of entertainment and park environment are four top urgent issues which are related to housing. Strategic goals for each issue has been designed in a four-year time frame and projects for reaching the goals that are considered in three categories: promotional, facilitator and mandatory. Cooperation of multiple stakeholders including managers and residents are features of preparing this program. A change of stakeholders’ perspective to health-oriented performance in housing is the added value of this public act.