ABSTRACT
Harm reduction models to give heroin abusers heroin, substitute another narcotic or exchange needles, on the other hand, have sometimes had some success. Such an approach in international affairs would not mean turning a blind eye to human rights abuses or constructive engagement of regimes practising genocide and torture, but helping other regimes manage their major social issues one step at a time, in their own cultural context within their resource limitations. The Charter adds that political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, behavioural and biological factors can all favour health or be harmful to it. The landmark Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion seeks a transformation in the way health is perceived, defining health as a resource, and considering the fundamental conditions to provide a 'secure foundation' for health to be 'peace, shelter, education, food, income, a stable ecosystem, sustainable resources, social justice and equity'.
