As we approach the United Kingdom’s next general election, the UK Faculty of Public Health – representing the voice of over 5,000 public health professionals – is setting out a new “Vision for the Public’s Health.”
At present we are paying a high price for poor health in the UK. We have record levels of long-term sickness, health and care services are unable to cope, millions of families live in poverty, and children’s life chances are compromised even before they start school.
Looking to current and emerging challenges for our health, FPH has identified four key priorities to advance public health, reduce inequalities, and boost economic productivity.
- Promote policies and programmes that improve the health and wellbeing of people and communities and tackle health inequalities.
- Tackle poverty to ensure everyone has the chance to live a long and healthy life.
- Protect the nation from infectious diseases and prepare for health threats and emergencies.
- Increase investment in public health and prevention as assets for society, and make health a priority for cross-government action.
Backing up these priority areas are 50 pragmatic, evidence-informed recommendations for Government to improve health and tackle inequalities, including implementing the commitment to a smokefree generation; introducing a new Child Poverty Act to end child poverty in all parts of the UK by 2030; and delivering measures to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies.
At the heart of the Faculty’s vision is the belief that everyone deserves the chance to live a long and healthy life, and that it is unacceptable for people's life expectancy and health outcomes to be determined by their postcode, ethnicity or income.
The Faculty calls on the next government to take bold action, working with devolved administrations and local government to deliver on these recommendations, creating a future where everyone has the chance to live a long, healthy and fulfilling life, where no-one is held back by their health or background, and where everyone has access to the healthcare and support they need.
