Public health competencies and sustainable development: a scoping review

Authors

Abstract

This study mapped and analyzed the scientific literature on the competencies required for public
health professionals to promote health while taking the Sustainable Development Goals into account.
This scoping review was conducted in April 2025 according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology,
the Manual for Scoping Reviews, and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, using eight international and regional
databases. Sixteen studies published between 2016 and 2024 were included, descriptively analyzed,
and organized into analytical frameworks. Fifteen competencies were identified, particularly intersectoral
collaboration, promotion of equity, public policy formulation, and education for sustainability. These
skills can guide educational curricula and public policies aimed at sustainable health. A scarcity of
studies from low-income countries and methodological heterogeneity were observed, indicating the
need for further research on public health education.

Keywords:

Professional competence. Sustainable development. Personnel management. United Nations. Public health.

Author Biographies

Eduardo Neves da Cruz de Souza, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba/PR, Brasil.

Eduardo Neves da Cruz de Souza – Doutor – educruzz@live.com
0000-0003-4459-0631

Michele dos Santos Hortelan, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Foz do Iguaçu/PR, Brasil.

Michele dos Santos Hortelan – Mestra – michele.hortelan2@gmail.com
0000-0001-6509-1618

Maria de Lourdes de Almeida, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Foz do Iguaçu/PR, Brasil.

Maria de Lourdes de Almeida – Doutora – maria.almeida2@unioeste.br
0000-0001-7547-2991

Juana Elvira Suárez Conejero, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cidade do México, México.

Juana Elvira Suárez Conejero – Doutora – jesconejero@hotmail.com
0000-0002-5376-5950

Aida Maris Peres, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba/PR, Brasil.

Aida Maris Peres – Doutora – aidamaris.peres@gmail.com
0000-0003-2913-2851

Vol. 34 (2026): Continuous publication

Published:

2026-10-22

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-803420264154PT

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How to Cite

1.
Neves da Cruz de Souza E, dos Santos Hortelan M, de Lourdes de Almeida M, Elvira Suárez Conejero J, Maris Peres A. Public health competencies and sustainable development: a scoping review. Rev. Bioét. [Internet]. 2026 Oct. 22 [cited 2026 Oct. 22];34. Available from: https://revistabioetica.cfm.org.br/revista_bioetica/article/view/4154

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