Prevention and health promotion on the international scene: the need for a more effective and comprehensive approach.

The last decade has shown a boom in international networks and projects in health promotion and prevention. The growth of international collaboration is considered to be of crucial importance for the future development of the field. Several arguments are discussed in support of a further expansion of collaboration across countries and regions. The author criticizes the current lack of effectiveness in international collaboration in health promotion and prevention and identifies main barriers to effective collaboration. To make significant progress in research, evidence-based programs and policies, and their implementation worldwide, the creation of a comprehensive system of functional and effective linkages is needed across the core task areas, across disciplines, across system levels, and across countries and cultures. The quality of prevention and health promotion research as well as its impact on the health of communities depends on the degree to which research institutes and other stakeholders are embedded in an effective network of interorganizational and international relationships capable of performing a broad range of essential and functionally related tasks. It is critical that the dynamics of effective international collaboration become a legitimate subject of prevention and health promotion science.