The Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland has launched a new initiative this week to tackle health inequalities across the country. Over the next two years, the partnership will work to improve health and well-being in three Scottish regions: Aberdeen City, North Ayrshire, and South Lanarkshire.
Researchers from University College London (UCL) will work with Public Health Scotland (PHS) and local councils to implement plans and bring about positive health changes. The collaborators will work closely with each community and Community Planning Partners to strengthen local involvement and support local partners in deciding which actions will have the greatest impact on health inequalities in their area and how barriers to implementing these can be overcome.
The partnership aims to create long-term, positive change that will improve each community’s health, lower mortality rates, and increase longevity. To do this, the researchers describe the need to address the root causes of health inequalities and determine what can be done to prevent ill health before it starts.
Professor Sir Michael Marmot, the Director of UCL’s Institute of Health Equity and lead academic, said: ‘Research in Scotland has demonstrated dramatic differences in health and life expectancy within and between areas. After 2010, progress in improving health stalled in Scotland, as in other parts of the UK, and health inequalities have increased.’
In previous work, Professor Marmot has seen success working with communities in England and Wales to implement local changes, and he highlighted the importance of local-level initiatives in reducing health inequalities.
He added: ‘We are now delighted to launch programmes of work in three places in Scotland. Each place has vital contributions to make in improving the conditions of people’s lives, thereby tackling health inequalities within their area. This local action will also inform national system leaders about the most effective ways to develop national approaches to tackling health inequalities in Scotland. Put simply, we aim to show that poverty is not destiny.’
The research will aim to reduce the gap between national and local strategies, enabling the national policies to be realised at a local level. In addition, the insights and knowledge gained will be shared across the country through a dedicated learning system, ensuring that all communities in Scotland benefit from the research.
Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of Public Health Scotland, added: ‘People born in the most deprived areas of Scotland are dying, on average, a decade earlier than their wealthier neighbours. This collaboration will unite partners from across the system—NHS, local government, community and voluntary sectors, and businesses—to address the social determinants of health. By taking action on these factors, we can make a significant difference in health outcomes and life expectancy.’
