As the United Kingdom approaches its next general election, the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) is proud to present our new manifesto for health: "A Vision for the Public’s Health."
This vision, developed by the Faculty Board and representing the voices of our 5,000 members across the UK and beyond, sets out a practical roadmap for the government, both locally and nationally, to work with the public health workforce, our partners across the health and care system, and wider stakeholders to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of every citizen in the UK, contributing to a stronger economy and leaving no one behind.
Why Public Health Matters
Good public health is the cornerstone of a thriving society. It's what fuels economic growth by ensuring a healthy, productive workforce. It's what ensures the sustainability of our vital healthcare systems. It maximises the potential of our children, allowing them to flourish and contribute positively. And most importantly, it guarantees everyone, regardless of background, a fair shot at living a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.
The reality, however, paints a different picture. The UK currently faces staggering costs associated with poor public health. Record-breaking levels of long-term sickness burden our healthcare system, with more people leaving the workforce from ill-health, while millions of families struggle under the weight of poverty. The life chances of children are compromised before they even enter school. But this doesn't have to be our future.
Proof Positive: Public Health in Action
We have witnessed the undeniable power of government, working with partners, to implement effective public health measures. The ban on smoking in public places serves as a prime example. So too do the advances in tackling vaccine preventable diseases, reducing HIV incidence, and improving air quality. More recently, the government’s action to create a smoke-free generation and reduce childhood vaping are testaments to the crucial role government plays in shaping the health, economic productivity, and life opportunities of our nation.
With proper commitment from government, evidence-based public health programmes deliver meaningful results, saving both lives and money in the short and long term. They are among the most impactful investments we can make for the future of our country.
Our Vision: Four Pillars for a Healthier UK
Recognising the challenges we currently face in public health, and looking to emerging and future threats to our health, the Faculty’s Vision for the Public’s Health identifies four key areas where the next UK government can make a significant difference. They serve as pillars upon which a healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous UK can be built:
- Promoting Policies and Programmes for Healthier People and Communities: This pillar focuses on creating and supporting policies and programmes that enhance the overall health and well-being of individuals and communities; recognising the crucial role these programmes play in tackling existing and unjust health inequalities.
- Tackling Poverty for a Healthy Life: Poverty remains a significant barrier to achieving good health. This pillar calls for government action to address poverty at its roots, ensuring everyone has a fair chance to live a long, healthy, and productive life.
- Protecting the Nation from Infectious Diseases and Emergencies: Robust public health measures and investment in preparedness strategies are essential to safeguard the nation from infectious diseases and effectively respond to public health emergencies.
- Investing in Public Health: A Societal Asset: This pillar emphasizes the long-term economic benefits of prioritizing public health prevention. By investing in preventive measures, we not only improve health outcomes but also ensure the sustainability of our healthcare system and boost overall economic productivity.
Building upon these four pillars, our Vision outlines 50 pragmatic, evidence-based recommendations for the government. These recommendations aim to improve public health, tackle inequalities, and create a healthier, more prosperous future for all.
Amongst these recommendations, the Faculty has identified seven “first 100-day�? priorities for an incoming government including resolute action on tackling child poverty; fully implementing the commitment to create a smokefree generation; developing a bold cross government approach to improving health; reviewing and updating UK drugs legislation; prioritising community involvement in decision-making across government; and making urgent changes to the welfare, minimum wage, and benefit systems to arrest deepening poverty and destitution.
As President of the Faculty of Public Health and a public health professional with decades of experience, I am privileged to see firsthand the transformative power of effective public health interventions. My daily work as a public health director has exposed me to the many challenges faced by individuals, families and communities across the UK as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent cost of living crisis.
Now, more than ever, public health plays a critical role in protecting our citizens and supporting a healthier, fairer, more resilient and economically productive society. We believe a more radical and transformative agenda for health is now required. This vision for public health is our shared roadmap for building a healthier, fairer, and more resilient UK. It's a call to action for the government, the public health workforce, and all our stakeholders to join forces and create a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
