Health inequalities are a serious human rights issue

Obesity is a massive public health issue says Graham Moore

As a country, we have been alerted for years to the dangers of this condition, but sadly obesity numbers continue to rise, being costly to both the NHS and worse to those at risk.

We had a similar situation with smoking with much money spent on promotional campaigns and exhortations by health professionals, with little major effect.

It was only when smoking was banned in public/workplaces was there a substantial improvement.

So do we as a nation have to take a similar stance on the obesity crisis and the rise in diabetes and other life-threatening conditions?

Do we have to regard national and local government as health organisations where every dept has a role to play in improving our health and wellbeing?

While the pandemic has had a devastating effect of those who have been sadly casualties, it has highlighted the need to accelerate measures that must deal with some longstanding issues:

The care sectors that have sadly needed for years a radical overhaul to ensure a sustainable future for both providers and those who need to access them safely and with comfort.

The need to ensure we properly resource cycling and walking infrastructure, leisure and park amenities and robust planning protocols that ensure buildings make stairs the first priority and lifts for those for disability and moving heavy objects etc.

We also need to introduce public transport that makes it once again attractive to use.

Finally to address the well known health inequalities that are currently tragically highlighted during the Pandemic.

It is surely unacceptable in a civilised society that the lifespan in our city varies enormously based on where we live.

This has been highlighted previously but now needs to be addressed, a serious human rights Issue.

Only a fully integrated, city-wide Initiative involving all stakeholders can impact on the above.

It is not rocket science, If Finland and New Zealand can do it why not us? Surely the city who brought stainless steel to the world can deliver a healthier future?

We have the innovation, we have to have the leadership and will and, of course, the Prime Minister providing the resources to back up his public statements.