We’ve been receiving a lot of questions about the BA.2.86 COVID variant, as people would like to know how it compares to other variants and what the implications might be for public health. It is important to note that to …
For those who haven't heard of it, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by tick bites, with between 900 and 1000 confirmed cases each year in the UK. It can lead to serious health issues if left untreated, so raising …
This year the fight against flu takes on a public health perspective. Up till now, flu vaccination has been offered on an individual basis to protect those most at risk. Offering flu vaccine to all healthy children, starting with the …
Children and young people are our future. Making sure our children get the best start is an investment in both each person’s health and wellbeing and in our society. PHE has a real opportunity to make a difference by supporting …
The well-known US psychologist, Ed Diener, once complained his professors wouldn't let him study happiness – depression yes, but happiness? Never. To me, that sums up the traditional focus we've had on mental illness. Of course that's important, but it …
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has now published its fifth assessment report, confirming the scientific evidence that the climate is indeed changing, and that this change is even more certainly due to human activities than was previously thought. …
When I had the opportunity to become regional director of London for Public Health England, as a London resident myself I didn't need to dwell too long on the decision. London is a leading world city and a truly exciting …
A question I often ask, as I talk to meetings and groups, is “which of the following is the commonest cause of premature death in your area?” Cancer Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke). Liver disease Lung disease What do …
This is my twentieth reorganisation, but most of them have made no difference at all. My first public health job was in local government – the County Borough of Oxford from 1972 to 1974 – and it was wonderful. I …
Everyone remembers those iconic public health adverts – the ‘fatty cigarette’ or HIV tombstone TV ads for example. But there is a lot more to health marketing than memorable and creative ideas – did you know that smokers have ordered …
When I spoke recently at the first annual Public Health England conference, I described it as a very special conference. It was a special conference, I said, because it finally marked the completion of the public health family in England. …
