New body to tackle health disparities

Following a government announcement, a new body set to tackle health disparities in the UK will launch on Friday 1 October.

The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) aims to tackle health inequalities across the country and will be co-led by newly appointed Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy.

The OHID will play a vital role in the Department of Health and Social Care, driving the prevention agenda throughout the government to minimise health disparities, many of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic, and improve the public’s health.

Unfortunately, health disparities around the UK are austere. For example, a woman living in Blackpool will on average live 16 fewer years in good health than a woman born in Brent, London.

The government is also aware that ethnicity can impact health and health outcomes.

Health disparities can consequently undermine a person’s ability to work and live a long, healthy and independent life, whilst putting pressure on the NHS, social care and other public services.

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Source: National Health Executive, 7 September 2021