[Health promotion by the public health service (with special reference to promoting the self help movement)]

During the last decade there has been a new orientation in public health policies. The question of prevention is gaining importance and has assumed social and political dimensions alongside the traditional medical issues. In future the public health service will increasingly recognise the value of an interdisciplinary approach, as was emphasised in a Resolution by the 64th German State Health Ministers' Conference. The need for cooperation and coordination in important future fields of action--especially the area of Self-Help--is presented as a major challenge for the Public Health Department. Details are given on the new requirements in terms of organisation, staffing and facilities.