Today saw the beginning of the nation’s first national public health system, which will battle disease and encourage healthy lifestyles as part of the deployment of the new national health system.
The national Public Health Service will handle the job on the ground, while the Public Health Agency will direct and coordinate population and public health policy, strategy, and regulation.
Health Minister Andrew Little remarked, “Having a coordinated national public health system instead of the old fragmented one will allow all people to enjoy better, healthier lives for years to come.”
It was challenging to concentrate on the prevention of illness and disease across the nation, such as hepatitis, HIV, respiratory infections, smoking, healthy eating, and substance misuse, in the past because our public health system lacked coordination and teamwork.
Dr. Ayesha Verrall, associate minister of health, announced that the government would spend an additional $61 million to create the new National Public Health Service and the National Public Health Agency, combining the 12 existing public health units into a single organization.
Strong public health evidence and national coordination of public health operations served as the foundation for our COVID-19 response, which Dr. Verrall described as being among the best in the world.
“The epidemic has taught us that effective public health responses depend on cross-government departmental cooperation with the community to weave together relationships and plans.
The creation of a new national public health agency will guarantee that these capabilities are maintained and applied to address upcoming public health concerns.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity to create a system where all New Zealanders have equitable access to fundamental public health and sickness prevention that will help them to live longer in good health and have the best quality of life,” said Dr. Verrall.
To commemorate the launch of the new public health system, Dr. Verrall planted a flax at the Ministry of Health’s Wellington office today.