All-island approach required to tackle health protection inequalities

Vulnerable populations in Ireland, North and South are bearing a disproportionate burden of impacts from infectious diseases and environmental hazards according to a new report published by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH).

The report was launched today (Thursday 18th February 2016) at a seminar in Belfast.

Attendees discussed migration and climate change and the spread of infectious diseases as well as the socio-economic and cultural factors that need to be considered in relation to effective health protection. In addition, the advantages of adopting an all-island approach to tackle inequalities in health protection were outlined.

The report calls for greater collaboration and data gathering across the island of Ireland as well as a strengthening of prevention programmes, including immunisation programmes with a specific focus on ‘at-risk’ populations.

The seminar also featured presentations from leading public health figures including Dr Jan Semenza, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control; Dr Kevin Kelleher, Assistant National Director, Health Protection, Health Service Executive and Dr Michael Devine, Consultant in Health Protection , PHA. 

Read the report here.

Presentations available here.