What is new in the EfshariBari in the City project?

78 local authorities have joined the EfshariBari in the City project – a 36% increase compared to 2022.

 What is the EfshariBari in the City project?

EfshariBari in the City is the major initiative led by the Ministry of Health for establishing health units in the local authorities as part of the Ministry of Health’s strategic plan to enhance health activities in the urban space.

How did the authorities gain recognition and support?

Every year, the Ministry of Health issues a public appeal, and local authorities apply for support for enhancing their health units and health promotion programs. Only authorities that meet the requirements are recognized and their activities are supported. There has been a significant increase in the number of authorities participating in the project this year, with 21 new authorities joining.

The surge in the number of authorities applying for the Efsharibari project and obtaining support shows the change of perspective among the authorities and residents. Everyone now understands that local authorities play a significant role in making behavioral changes and creating an environment that supports healthy and active living.

How does joining the project benefit the head of the local authority and residents?

The heads of the local authorities recognize that a healthy and active lifestyle starts in early childhood and affects education, employment, social involvement, and quality of life in the local authority.

The public appeal for the Efsharibari in the City project was created to establish the role of the health unit and the administrative infrastructure of the local authority. Its goal is to execute an annual work plan for the health of the residents.

The Efsharibari in the City project allocated resources to urban and neighborhood field experts who are familiar with the requirements and characteristics of the residents, enabling them to design and implement effective activities.

The Efsharibari in the City project empowers the authorities to establish a healthier environment, for a larger number of residents, and encourages them to walk through the city’s trails and exercise in public spaces. More children now have access to healthy food in educational institutions and enjoy a smoke-free environment. The project's activities are tailored to diverse populations across all stages of life. In line with the project's spirit, real change is made in the community, with consideration of its culture - residents helping residents.

What does the work model actually look like?

The Efsharibari work model is designed to help the health unit be present and active in the local authority, so that the locality's health needs are taken into consideration in different situations, in times of routine and emergency. To be recognized as an Efsharibari authority, authorities must meet certain standards, such as guaranteeing the commitment of the head of the authority to lead the program, employing a designated health coordinator, establishing a health promotion steering committee, launching an annual work plan, and meeting professional standards.

In the previous year, support was provided to approximately 20 local authorities as they took their initial steps toward submitting an application for 2023. This was part of the Ministry's efforts to include new participants who had encountered challenges in meeting the standards.

In addition to financial assistance, the Ministry of Health provides professional support to the authorities through the Efsharibari team, as well as teams from the Health Education and Promotion Department, the Nutrition Division, the health bureaus of the Public Health Service, and the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel.

The Efsharibari project is intertwined with the Ministry's efforts to increase the commitment of all stakeholders to promote health in the urban space. We believe that every individual should live in a local authority that actively promotes the health of its residents.

Efsharibari authorities, their socio-economic index and number of residents