The New Public Health Approach (NPHA) was based around the principles of the Ottawa Charter (OC) which was founded in 1986. This approach towards health shifted focus away from simply the behavioural habits of the individual to focus on the social principles which may influence an individual's health also. The main characteristics of the NPHA were:-

A shift from behaviour change to health policy

Support for the enhancement of life skills

Empowerment of individuals to take control of their health

Empowerment of the community to participate in health related decisions

Cooperation amounts health professionals concerning health promotion

Recognition of social and environmental factors which influence health

To empower an individual is to give them the ability to make decisions concerning their health. The NPHA empowers the community and health professionals into this decision making process, which in effect gives the individual a better chance of making a formally...