Public-Private Partnerships: A model for injury prevention and safety promotion – Benefitting communities and NGOs

Abstract Injuries are a leading cause of death up to 45years, and 12% of all hospital beds in Norway are dedicated to accident-related treatments. Addressing injuries poses a significant public health challenge, and preventing accidents is crucial for saving money and resources. The Norwegian Act of Public Health mandates that municipalities promote the population’s health and well-being, contribute to favourable environmental conditions, and prevent mental and somatic illnesses and injuries. This is echoed in various laws and regulations, providing a supportive framework for injury prevention and safety promotion. However, translating these laws and regulations into effective policies and preventive activities necessitates collaboration across sectors and levels. To meet these demands, a public-private partnership for safety has been established through five-year cooperation agreements between the Ministry of Health, Finance Norway (Association for financial and insurance industry in Norway), and the Norwegian Safety Forum (NSF). As a non-profit organization, NSF is a national advocate for safety, specializing in home and leisure injury prevention, road safety and Safe Community initiatives in Norway. Program Description The collaboration aims to reduce accidents and injuries. The agreement secures basic financing for NSF and serves as a platform for knowledge sharing and competence building across sectors. It facilitates seminars and meetings to promote learning among different professions, benefiting municipalities and the public. The collaboration leverages the Ministry’s resources, insurance companies’ data and knowledge, and NSF’s expertise to develop injury prevention programs through dialogue with communities and organizations. This model brings together private-public and NGO perspectives. It also provides enhanced possibilities for coordination on both national and community level, enhancing data and knowledge availability and strengthening capacity for safety promotion.