Chief Medical Officer focuses on public health challenges in annual report

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michael McBride has addressed the challenges to public health in his annual report, which was published today.

Issues addressed in the publication include swine flu, smoking, alcohol misuse, obesity, fighting healthcare-associated infections and climate change.

Speaking at the launch of his third annual report into the health of the population in Northern Ireland, Dr. McBride said: “Swine flu has the potential to be one of the biggest public health threats we have ever faced, not just this year, but into the future. Much work has been done by the Department, Health and Social Care and other sectors in preparing for a pandemic flu. For the first time ever, over the next few weeks we will see a vaccination programme, roll-out to protect the population.

“It is important that everyone takes on board how we can all take steps to prevent getting it and to stop the virus spreading to others, and my report re-emphasises this important information.”

He added: “There are many other longer-term health issues which continue to result in many of us unfortunately dying years earlier than we should.

“We still have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol in Northern Ireland, and we must continue to try and educate our children and young people especially about the consequences of binge drinking.

“We must also take increasing responsibility for our own health, and that includes watching what we eat, either giving up smoking or better still not taking it up in the first place, and taking regular exercise.

“Each and every one of us needs to realise that it is much better to do as much as we can to avoid becoming ill in the first place, rather than be treated when we are ill. The old adage is still true: prevention is better than cure.”

For the first time the Chief Medical Officer has also made a series of webcasts on some of the key themes in his annual report. These are available on DHSSPS and NI Direct websites.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report 2008 is available from DHSSPS website.

2. The Annual Report webcasts are available on the DHSSPS website and nidirect.

3. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.