A vision for public health in the 21st century

Abstract

I want to set out my vision of why public health is central to the next stage of the 10-year programme of improvements and reforms that the government is making in health and social care. My argument comprises three components. First, public health in the 21st century requires a new approach, a new partnership between government, the community and individuals. This is not a matter of government making choices for people, but rather government supporting people to make healthier choices for themselves. Second, this new approach—engaging every individual from every community in getting the best chance of a long and healthy life—is absolutely essential if we are to ensure a sustainable health service in future, funded from taxation and free at the point of use. And third, the only way we can tackle the health inequalities that are utterly unacceptable in our increasingly wealthy nation is to mobilize the power of public health for the communities and families who most require our support. Let me develop each of those points starting with the changing role of the state.