Wales must urgently shift towards a prevention-first approach to
health to address stagnating life expectancy and mounting
pressures on its health services, according to the Chief Medical
Officer's Annual Report published today.
The report, "Reflecting on our Health," notes a decline in life
expectancy especially in deprived areas with people now living
for more years of their life with ill health. It highlights that
around 75% of deaths in people under the age of 75 in Wales are
preventable but that successful prevention initiatives, such as
tobacco control, have demonstrated the potential for significant
improvements in population health over time.
If smoking rates had not changed in the past ten years, there
would be more than 170,000 additional smokers aged 18 or over. If
smoker rates continue to reduce from the present 10% in Wales to
8%, it is estimated this change alone would prevent nearly 600
smoking-related deaths and 2,700 smoking-related hospital
admissions each year.
The report calls for action across all levels of government and
society to address the social, economic and environmental
determinants of health; continue to support parents and early
years education programmes for low-income families; encourage
vaccination and screening take up; and help adults make healthier
choices.
Key findings include:
- The average number of years that people in Wales can expect
to live in good health is declining, particularly in women
- Evidence shows public health programmes offer an average
return on investment of 14 to 1.
- Without accelerated action on prevention, people living with
four or more long-term conditions could almost double by 2035
- Preventable physical and mental ill-health is contributing to
rising economic inactivity and increasing costs
Six months into her new role Professor Isabel Oliver, Chief
Medical Officer for Wales, said she has been struck by both the
scale of the challenge and the depth of commitment across Wales,
adding:
“I decided to take the role of CMO in Wales because I want to
work with the people of Wales to make this focus on prevention a
reality. I was attracted to our progressive strategies and
policies that, if effectively implemented, will transform the
health of the people of Wales.
“But this is a major challenge to our health service leaders. It
also demands changes in society, and at an individual level, so
that health is recognised as a responsibility – as well as a
right – for everyone in Wales.
“The evidence is clear – prevention is incredible value for
money. Ahead of next week's Senedd vote on the Tobacco and Vapes
Bill, there is no room for complacency - we need to see smoker
rates continue to decrease. But we also need to replicate the
progress in tobacco control across other areas – such as healthy
eating and exercise.”
To strengthen prevention efforts, the CMO has established a
Preventing Ill-Health Advisory Group to provide national
leadership and ensure prevention considerations are a key
component of ministerial advice.
The Welsh Government is also introducing
legislation which will make it mandatory for specified public
bodies to consider the impact of their decisions - in sectors
such as housing, education and transport - on long-term
population health.
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