Current Public Health Strategies

Health promotion is a significant strategy intended to improve public health by focusing on individual behaviours and lifestyle choices which impact health.
Strategies include public information campaigns, such as Change4Life and Stoptober, which encourage healthier behaviours and increased physical activity.
Public health agencies seek to boost health literacy, improving people’s understanding of health information and empowering them to make informed health decisions.

Disease prevention is another core strategy, aiming to prevent or slow the progression of diseases through screening, vaccinations, and education.
A major focus is on preventing non-communicable diseases including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, since these are largely preventable through lifestyle changes.
Early detection is crucial for effective prevention and treatment, which is why health-check programmes and screening initiatives are important components of public health strategy.

Legislation and policy changes can enforce healthier practices, such as imposing taxes on unhealthy food and drinks, or restrictions on advertising tobacco and alcohol.
This strategy also includes the introduction of workplace policies such as no-smoking areas and flexible working hours to promote exercise and mental well-being.
Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) are conducted to evaluate potential health effects of a new policy, plan, or project prior to its implementation.

Strategies also include community-based initiatives to reduce health disparities and foster healthier communities.
This includes creating accessible spaces for physical activity, ensuring a supply of healthy food options, and providing health services in locations easily reachable by underserved populations.
There is also an emphasis on collaboration between different sectors (e.g. education, employment, housing, transport) to address the social determinants of health.

Strategies to improve the provision of health services include improving access to primary, secondary, and tertiary health services.
There is a focus on reducing waiting times, particularly for mental health services and other critical care.
Digital health initiatives, such as online consultations and electronic health records, are employed to make healthcare more efficient and accessible.