Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
March 31, 2026 Healthcare
Approximately one in five primary care physician visits is related to issues that cannot be addressed with medical interventions alone, such as loneliness, social isolation, financial difficulties, or inadequate housing. In these cases, social prescriptions can help patients.
Social prescriptions are not about treatment, but about various types of community-based activities, from group walks and volunteering to arts programs and debt and credit management counseling.
Social prescriptions serve as a link between health services and community resources, thereby improving population health, reducing inequalities, and easing the burden on already stretched health systems.
New WHO Partnership Centre
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently appointed the National Academy of Social Prescription (NASP) in the United Kingdom as a Partner Centre for Global Policy Support on Social Prescription. This recognizes the Academy's leading role in advancing the concept of social prescribing internationally.
The center, led by Dr. Bohdan Czyva-Gurka, Director of Global Programs and Head of the Clinical Program at the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA), will build on the Academy's existing work supporting governments and partners in at least 36 countries. The NSPA will provide technical support to WHO Member States to share best practices, facilitate the development of an evidence base for the concept of social prescriptions, and assist countries in developing and implementing appropriate mechanisms and strategies.
The role of the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom was the first country to integrate social prescribing into national health policy. There are now over 3,300 social prescribing coordinators across the country, and over a million people are referred for social prescribing each year. Evidence suggests that this approach can improve well-being and community resilience, while reducing unnecessary strain on healthcare systems.
With the help of a team of social prescribers, 56-year-old Andy was able to access a range of local interest groups.
"About eight months ago, I started having serious mental health issues and was suffering from chronic pain. It was clear that medication alone wouldn't solve the problem," Andy says. "Social prescriptions were a lifesaver, a godsend. I now have choices, a purpose in life, and a social network."
Growing interest in social recipes
"Social prescriptions are a powerful tool for addressing the social determinants of health," says Nils Fietje, Technical Officer for Culture and Health. "More and more countries in the European Region are showing interest in mechanisms related to social prescriptions, and through our partnership with NASR, we can more effectively support countries in this endeavor."
Examples of innovative approaches are emerging across the region. For example, the Greek Ministry of Culture has established a national arts therapy program that helps people with mental health issues attend cultural events. This program, which completed two pilot phases over four years involving over a thousand people and 21 organizations, demonstrated that museums, film institutes, opera houses, and other cultural institutions can play a significant role in improving people's mental health and well-being.
Creation of a global network
A hospital network in Singapore was designated as the first WHO partner hub for social prescribing in 2024. Now, following the UK's NACP's designation as the first partner hub, these two hubs will contribute to the development of a global network for knowledge sharing and technical support on social prescribing across all WHO regions.
“We are honored to be designated a WHO Collaborating Center,” said Charlotte Osborne-Ford, Executive Director of the NACP. “This recognition recognizes the importance of social prescribing as an evidence-based, inclusive approach that empowers patients and strengthens health systems and communities.”
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.