ABSTRACT
The state of health of the Belgian population can be considered to be relatively good if one refers to common public health indicators. However, life expectancy and infant mortality rates, though better than those of many countries, are not among the best in European Community. The strict cost containment measures within the compulsory health insurance scheme, combined with the Belgian government's difficulties in managing its public deficit, make it difficult to allocate more funds to the health sector. Health policy developments in Belgium are initiated by the Ministry for Social Affairs, Public Health and Environment while the insurance policy is administered by the National Insurance Institute for Sickness and Work Disability. Effective intervention is the heart of public health efforts to protect communities from health hazards. These efforts include reducing the numbers of individuals susceptible to infectious and chronic diseases, treating people early in the course of disease, modifying the environment and promoting healthy behaviour of both communities and individuals.
