In 1997 the World Health Organisation introduced the concept of "health targets" - a framework for government policies designed to enhance the health of citizens. Health targets have since developed as major instruments of public policy in Europe.

The book focuses on improving health throughout Europe and discusses the strategies for doing this at all levels from small initiatives to nationwide programmes.

Written by experts in the field the chapters include overviews of the history of health trageting in Europe, the philosophical and moral implications of health targeting, range of values and beliefs that underpin it and the visions for the future of health governance in Europe.