This week saw the publication of the latest Director of Public Health Annual Report 2024.
The main focus of the report is the health of infants, children and young people. The report explores some of the usual public health themes, through a child health lens.
Last year the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 came into effect, ensuring that children and young people under 18 have their rights protected by law recognising that childhood is a special time in people’s lives.
Professor S Josephine Pravinkumar, Director of Public Health, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Child health has always been, and will remain, a key priority for my team.
“There are many examples of excellent practice that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to child health. However, we know that there are some challenges facing us including mental health, child poverty and inequalities.
“Our children of today are our adults of the future and it’s vitally important to ensure a focus on prevention in this important stage of the life course. Investing in children’s health is extremely important to improve the health of our population both for current and future generations.”
Some of the artwork in the report was created by children from across Lanarkshire and for the first time, there is also a child friendly version of the report available in a video format”.
Professor Pravinkumar added: “I would like to sincerely thank all the children and young people who contributed their views and opinions, particularly the children who provided the artwork which is included in various sections of the report.
My annual report highlights areas for action, and the report gives an opportunity to see what progress we have made. Last year the report focussed on NHS Lanarkshire as an anchor organisation and I am pleased to share some highlights of progress with regards to the anchor work. For more details, please see the full report.
“I would also like to thank the editorial team for their brilliant efforts in the production of this year’s report and our partner organisations, including North and South Lanarkshire Councils, and North and South Health and Social Care Partnerships, who we work closely with day in and day out
The full report is available on our website at https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/services/public-health/
You can also email your views and thoughts to PublicHealthAnnualReport@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
