Health Inequalities Must be Addressed, Says Minister

A co-ordinated collaborative approach is needed at all levels of society is if progress is to be made in addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland.

That's according to the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey, who was speaking at the 'Northern Investing for Health Partnership' conference in Ballymena this week.

Addressing the key theme of the event, 'Poverty and Health Inequalities', the Minister said: "To improve health and wellbeing overall, we must renew our focus on tackling inequalities in health and their root causes.

"I believe that the new Regional Agency for Public Health and Social Wellbeing I am creating, in partnership with local government and the community and voluntary sector, will drive the public health agenda in a way that is not possible under current arrangements.

"It will provide focus and co-ordination, and build on and strengthen the work of existing partnerships," he insisted, but added: "Health inequalities are an issue we simply have to address. It cannot be tolerated that your life expectancy and health status is determined by where you are born.

"Health inequalities are still rife - and it is a fact that people who live in deprived areas, in poor housing, who are unemployed and have lower educational attainment, are more likely to suffer ill health and an earlier death than the rest of the population," he commented, noting that, as a society "we must improve and protect the health of the population".

"It's not only about helping people take responsibility for their own health and educating them about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle - although that is important," he continued.

"It is also about helping to create the conditions that enable healthy choices, health improvement and better quality of life for all our citizens," he said.

(BMcC)