The report, "Reflecting on our Health", notes a decline in life expectancy especially in deprived areas with people now living for more years of their life with ill health.
Key findings included:
- the average number of years that people in Wales can expect to live in good health is declining, particularly in women
- evidence shows public health programmes offer an average return on investment of 14 to 1
- without accelerated action on prevention, people living with four or more long-term conditions could almost double by 2035
- preventable physical and mental ill-health is contributing to rising economic inactivity and increasing costs
RCPCH Deputy Officer for Wales, Dr Malcolm Gajraj, said:
The CMO’s report rightly places prevention at the heart of improving health outcomes, and we strongly support this approach. Investing in prevention, particularly during pregnancy and the early years, is one of the most effective ways to reduce future ill health and health inequalities.
We were particularly pleased to read the recommendation to invest in early years in line with the principles of the Marmot Nation. Wales being the very first Marmot Nation is a unique opportunity to maximise the impact of prevention across the country. We look forward to working closely with the CMO and partners to turn these recommendations into action and create a healthier future for all children in Wales.