4.3. Explain current: • Home Nation public health issues • international public health issues

This guide will help you answer 4.3. Explain current: • Home Nation public health issues • international public health issues.

Public health is about improving and protecting the health of communities and populations. This can involve preventing diseases, prolonging life, and promoting good health practices through the choices people make and the environments they live in. Public health issues can be national or international and are influenced by factors such as lifestyle, the environment, and global trends.

Home Nation Public Health Issues

In the UK, public health concerns reflect the challenges of a society with changing demographics and varied health needs. Public health policies in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland often focus on common issues but may differ slightly in implementation.

Obesity and Poor Diet

Obesity is one of the most pressing public health concerns in the UK. The rise in obesity is linked to sedentary lifestyles (too much sitting and not enough moving) and an increase in the consumption of processed and unhealthy foods. It is estimated that more than 25% of adults in England are obese. This contributes to long-term health problems like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.

Children are also affected. Around one in three children in the UK is overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school. Poor diet, limited physical activity, and socioeconomic factors (such as poverty) are contributing to this problem.

Efforts are being made to tackle obesity, such as the UK’s sugar tax, which encourages drink manufacturers to reduce sugar in their products, and public campaigns like “Better Health” to promote healthier living.

Mental Health Crisis

Mental health is a major concern in the UK. Anxiety, depression, and stress-related illnesses have increased significantly over recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified these issues, isolating people from social connections and services.

Young people are particularly affected. According to mental health organisations, around one in eight children in the UK has a diagnosable mental health condition. Issues like bullying, social media pressures, and academic stress are common causes. For adults, financial instability, job insecurity, and housing issues also contribute.

Services to support mental health, such as therapy and counselling, are often oversubscribed, leaving many without timely help. Campaigns like “Time to Change” aim to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and encourage people to seek help.

Smoking, Alcohol, and Substance Abuse

Smoking rates in the UK have reduced significantly over the past two decades due to strict regulations like the smoking ban in public places and the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes. Yet, smoking remains a leading cause of preventable deaths, linked to diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Alcohol misuse is another major issue. Excessive drinking contributes to liver disease, high blood pressure, and accidents while increasing the workload of the NHS. Many public health campaigns urge moderation, including “Dry January” and “Drinkaware”.

Substance abuse, such as the use of drugs like cocaine, heroin, and cannabis, has led to societal problems including addiction, crime, and mental health issues. The government provides rehabilitation services and education campaigns like “Talk to Frank” to tackle this problem.

Cancer Prevention and Screening

Cancer is the leading cause of death in the UK, with lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers being the most common. Early detection through screening programmes can significantly increase survival rates.

Current public health campaigns encourage screening appointments for cervical, breast, and bowel cancer. Programmes are also in place to promote lifestyle changes that reduce cancer risks, such as stopping smoking, eating healthier, and staying active.

Air Pollution

Air pollution is an environmental public health issue in the UK, particularly in urban areas. Pollutants from vehicles and industry contribute to respiratory problems like asthma and other lung diseases. Vulnerable groups, such as children and elderly people, are most at risk.

The government has set ambitious targets to improve air quality by promoting clean energy and encouraging the use of electric vehicles. Campaigns like “Clean Air Day” aim to raise public awareness about the issue.

Ageing Population

The UK has an ageing population, which presents its own challenges. Older people are more likely to experience chronic health conditions, such as arthritis, dementia, and heart disease. Supporting older people to stay healthy and independent for as long as possible is a key focus of public health initiatives.

Programs like the “Ageing Well” initiative promote healthy lifestyles, social inclusion, and accessible healthcare services for older people.

International Public Health Issues

Public health issues often cross borders. Global concerns can require countries to work together to manage and solve these problems. These challenges are influenced by factors like international travel, economic inequalities, and access to healthcare.

Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases remain a major international public health issue. Diseases like tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and HIV/AIDS affect millions of people worldwide. Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia are particularly affected by these diseases, where healthcare services are limited.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the global nature of infectious diseases. It showed how quickly a virus could spread across countries and led to efforts to create vaccines, distribute personal protective equipment (PPE), and prevent further outbreaks.

Vaccination programmes coordinated by organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi aim to prevent diseases like measles, polio, and yellow fever. Despite these efforts, some vaccination rates are low due to conflict, misinformation, or limited resources.

Global Malnutrition

Malnutrition affects people across the world. In some countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia, malnutrition leads to stunted growth (when children are too small for their age) and other health issues.

At the same time, developed countries face challenges with over-nutrition, contributing to obesity and diet-related diseases. This dual burden is difficult to manage.

International organisations, like the United Nations (UN), focus on providing balanced diets by supporting food programs and addressing inequality in food distribution.

Access to Clean Water

Waterborne diseases are a massive problem in areas where access to clean water and sanitation is limited. Cholera, diarrhoea, and typhoid fever spread easily through contaminated water.

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prioritise access to clean water for everyone. Projects like building wells, improving sanitation facilities, and providing hygiene education are vital in countries where this is a problem.

Climate Change and Health

Climate change is having a direct effect on the health of populations worldwide. Rising global temperatures contribute to more frequent extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and droughts. These events can lead to injuries, mental health challenges, and the spread of diseases.

For example, warmer temperatures allow diseases like malaria and dengue fever to spread to new areas where they were not previously found. International efforts aim to limit global warming and reduce harmful impacts on health.

Refugee Health

Conflicts, persecution, and environmental disasters force people to flee their homes and live as refugees in other countries. Refugees often face overcrowded living conditions, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare.

In these environments, diseases spread quickly, and people’s physical and mental health can decline rapidly. International relief efforts focus on providing medical care, clean water, and shelter to those affected.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

AMR is a significant issue worldwide. It occurs when bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms become resistant to medication, such as antibiotics. This makes infections harder to treat and can lead to serious illness or death.

AMR happens partly because of the overuse or misuse of antibiotics. For example, taking antibiotics for viral infections (like colds or flu) does not help, but it can contribute to resistance. Governments and organisations work to control this by raising awareness and promoting the responsible use of these medicines.

Conclusion

Public health issues affect the health of individuals and communities, whether on a national or global level. In the UK, concerns such as obesity, mental health, and air pollution are major priorities. Internationally, challenges like infectious diseases, climate change, and access to clean water are being addressed through global cooperation. Raising awareness, promoting healthier behaviours, and improving healthcare access remain key actions in tackling these problems. For health and social care workers, understanding these challenges helps them to contribute effectively to improving public health outcomes.