South West Wales Regional Health Economy work showcased on international stage
06 October 2026
Colleagues from across Hywel Dda University Health Board, Swansea Bay University Health Board, local authorities, Public Health Wales, universities and partner organisations recently joined international experts to explore how regions can use their influence to improve health, wellbeing and economic prosperity.
This is part of a wider Swansea Bay and Hywel Dda Regional Health Economy programme of work led by the Health Board Directors of Public Health, Dr Ardiana Gjini (Hywel Dda) and Professor Hugo van Woerden (Swansea Bay).
The webinar, ‘Building thriving, equitable regional health economies in practice’, was delivered in partnership with the South West Wales Regional Joint Committee Regional Health Economy programme, World Health Organization (WHO) Europe Regions for Health Network, the WHO Collaborating Centre on Investment for Health and Well-being at Public Health Wales.
The event brought together speakers from Wales, the Netherlands, Norway and Italy to share practical examples of how organisations can work together to improve health outcomes whilst supporting local communities, economies and the environment. The webinar formed part of a wider international conversation about how health is influenced not only by healthcare services, but also by factors such as housing, employment, education, transport, food systems and the environment.
Work was highlighted on how partners across the region are working together around four key themes: People, Place, Procurement and Partnerships. Examples included work on warm and healthy homes, sustainable food systems, planning healthier communities, supporting healthy weight, and using public sector spending to create wider social and economic benefits for local people. The webinar heard how health boards, local authorities and partners are using their role as major employers, commissioners and purchasers to support healthier communities and stronger local economies.
Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board, highlighted the importance of taking a long-term approach to change:
“We're very clear that the purpose is for long-term change. We're not going to change a macro system like food and a wellbeing economy in one or three years, but we're trying to reverse that shift so that in ten years we make meaningful change in habits, behaviours and planning.”
The webinar also heard from the WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development (the Venice Office), which is leading work across Europe to support wellbeing economy approaches and share learning between regions. Current areas of focus include prevention, reducing inequalities, improving the links between good work and health, and exploring innovative approaches to investment that support long-term wellbeing.
Mariana Dyakova, Technical Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre on Investment for Health and Well-being at Public Health Wales, highlighted the importance of continuing collaboration between regions:
“One of the key things is opening the door for further collaboration and exploration. Hopefully this will be the first of a series of follow-up webinars and opportunities to share examples of good practice.”
The event reinforced South West Wales' growing role within international discussions on wellbeing economies and regional collaboration. Through partnerships with the WHO Regions for Health Network, Public Health Wales and other European regions, organisations across South West Wales are helping to share learning whilst bringing new ideas back into the region.
A recording of the webinar is available on the WHO Europe Regions for Health Network YouTube Channel.
Watch the recording: Here (opens in new tab)
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