A major new initiative aimed at addressing Scotland’s deep-rooted health inequalities is being launched across three council areas this week, as statistics continue to highlight a decade-long gap in life expectancy between the country’s richest and poorest communities.
Bridging the Health Divide
The Collaboration for Health Equity (CHE) is set to roll out in Aberdeen City, North Ayrshire, and South Lanarkshire. It aims to create a “healthier, more equitable Scotland” by tackling the underlying causes of health disparities, such as poverty, housing, education, and employment opportunities.
The project is a joint effort between Public Health Scotland (PHS), local councils, health boards, and the Institute of Health Equity (IHE) at University College London, led by renowned public health expert Professor Sir Michael Marmot.
Alarming Disparities in Life Expectancy
Currently, people living in the most deprived parts of Scotland die, on average, ten years earlier than those in the wealthiest areas. These health inequalities are exacerbated by social and economic conditions, with poorer communities experiencing higher rates of chronic illnesses, mental health issues, and reduced access to quality healthcare services.
Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of PHS, described the situation as “unacceptable but not inevitable.”
“The circumstances in which we are born, live, and work have a huge impact on the length and quality of our lives. We’re determined to see an improvement in Scotland’s long-term health outcomes, and we can do this by uniting partners across the system—including the NHS, local government, community organizations, and businesses.”
A Local and National Approach
The CHE initiative will operate over two years, helping participating councils identify the most effective actions to reduce health inequalities and improve community well-being. Key priorities will include:
- Understanding impactful measures – Using data-driven insights to determine the most effective strategies for tackling health disparities.
- Removing implementation barriers – Supporting local authorities in overcoming obstacles to executing public health initiatives.
- Connecting local and national efforts – Ensuring local-level projects inform wider national policies to maximize effectiveness.
Professor Sir Michael Marmot emphasized that past research in Scotland has revealed “dramatic differences” in life expectancy within and between regions, with progress in improving health stalling since 2010.
“Each place has vital contributions to make in improving the conditions of people’s lives, thereby tackling health inequalities within their area. This local action will also inform national leaders about the most effective ways to develop national approaches to tackling health inequalities in Scotland. Put simply, we aim to show that poverty is not destiny.”
Community Engagement at the Heart of the Initiative
To mark the launch of CHE, each of the three participating areas will host events aimed at engaging local communities, outlining the vision of the project, and encouraging public input.
Insights gained from the initiative will be shared across Scotland, ensuring that all regions can benefit from the lessons learned.
As Scotland continues to grapple with persistent health disparities, the success of CHE could play a crucial role in shaping future public health strategies and improving health outcomes for the nation’s most disadvantaged communities.
