12.11.19
RSPH launches Public Health Manifesto ahead of general election
The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), has written an open letter to all standing parties in the upcoming election, to protect public health and promote wellbeing.
The letter outlines the most pressing public health issues that the RSPH believes should be addressed by any future government.
The letter encourages the decriminalization of possession of recreational drugs and a move towards a public health approach, something that was recently championed by Scottish Affairs Committee.
Health and wellbeing measures are also outlined as being a priority alongside GDP in government budgets, as well as calls for minimum unit pricing for alcohol to be rolled out across the UK.
Sugar and salt were also part of the manifesto, with the extension of the sugar levy onto other products that are high in sugar including soft drinks, and a mandatory target-based framework for salt to support the 7g a day mark.
Shirley Cramer CBE, chief Executive of RSPH, said:
“In the run-up to the next general election, we urge that all political parties champion the public’s health. Today, the NHS is under pressure to meet increasing demand, while inequalities in our society continue to plague health outcomes. We need a renewed focus on prevention, ensuring that people don’t become ill in the first place and have healthier, longer lives.”
“Beyond simply reversing years of devastating funding cuts to local authorities. We are calling on the next government to be ambitious and make significant progress on key issues such as obesity, alcohol, drugs and mental health. This requires longer-term thinking, that places population wellbeing at the heart of all budget decision making in all government departments.”
It is estimated that 50% of a person’s wellbeing is affected by social and environmental factors including work, housing and advertising. The RSPH states that they understand that while high quality health care is the priority, these external factors largely affect a person’s health and wellbeing.
The document also calls for the future Government to combat the digital determinants of health including positive social media campaigns and a Social Media Health Alliance, funded by a 0.5% levy on the profits of social media companies.