One Decade of Health Impact Assessment Development in South Korea: Characteristics of Health Impact Assessment for Central and Local Government Policies

Abstract

HIA programs have helped deepen the public’s understanding of health impacts and promote debates on ways to improve policies. As local governments in Korea step up their efforts to incorporate health impact assessment into all their policy initiatives with the goal of transforming their jurisdictions into healthy cities, it is important for the central government to expand the scope and reach of its HIA Technical Support Program. Our study confirms the need for more in-depth review of health impact factors with respect to groups that are at greater risk of health hazards, including stroller users, people with disabilities, and children. HIA programs can enhance decision makers and stakeholders’ participation and capabilities for public health.