The Directorate of Prevention and Health Promotion contributes to the implementation of national policies and provides support for regional policies in the areas of prevention, health education, risk reduction, and health promotion. It carries out functions in expertise, research and development, support for the implementation of innovative programs, evaluation, communication, the production of guidelines and intervention tools, coordination of the network of professionals in the field, and the development of stakeholders’ skills.
The Directorate operates in accordance with the missions of “health promotion and health risk reduction” and “development of prevention and health education.” Its activities are carried out in close coordination with those of other directorates and are part of a broader effort aimed at better understanding, explaining, preserving, protecting, and promoting the health of the population.
The department is specifically responsible for programs focused on lifestyle habits and populations. Its work is guided by two complementary priorities. It is called upon to play:

• a role in supporting the implementation of national public policies. To this end, it carries out two types of activities. Scientific expertise activities: literature reviews, survey work, testing innovative practices, facilitating scientific or liaison committees, culturally adapting interventions proven effective in other contexts, program evaluation, developing educational tools, and capitalizing on experience. Initiatives targeting the public via: television, radio, the internet, social media, posters, flyers, books...

• A role in guiding and supporting regional public policies. The department does not act as an operator; rather, it provides support to institutions, networks, and professionals in the health, social, and educational sectors. The aim here is to contribute to developing the capacity for action of institutions and professionals within the framework of regional policies. This function consists of assisting with program implementation, supporting stakeholders (Regional Health Agencies and other state-run entities, local governments, healthcare and prevention organizations, sports clubs, associations, etc.), as well as coordination activities.

To carry out its missions, the department works closely with a wide range of partners: state agencies, local governments, healthcare and prevention facilities, and community networks...
The Directorate of Prevention and Health Promotion is responsible for coordinating programs on addiction, sexual health, nutrition, mental health, perinatal care, early childhood, children and youth, older and vulnerable populations, health inequalities, and regional interventions. The directorate also contributes to programs led by the agency’s other directorates.
The department is organized into eight functional units. Four of these are responsible for lifestyle programs (addiction, nutrition, sexual health, and mental health units), three for population-based programs (early childhood, children and youth, and older adults and vulnerable populations units), and one for health risks and environmental health.