In light of the alarming decline in population health across the UK and the widening gap in health inequalities, a coalition of over 45 leading health experts and organisations including the National Kidney Federation, Faculty of Public Health, NHS Confederation, and Royal Society of Medicine is calling on the government to take decisive action. 

Recent data highlights that individuals in the least deprived areas of the UK enjoy up to 19 more years of good health compared to those in the most deprived areas. This stark disparity underscores the urgent need for preventive health measures.

Prevention is rising up the agenda, as the government recognises that avoiding ill health is not only beneficial for the individuals concerned but also for the economy.

While acknowledging that certain conditions, such as kidney disease, may be unavoidable for some, it is essential to implement strategies to prevent such illnesses wherever possible. A longer-term view of investing in the nation’s health is required, and kidney disease, which is on the ascendency due to an older population, rates of diabetes, and obesity, must be core to this agenda.

In a joint letter spearheaded by the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) and endorsed by 47 organisations, including the Faculty of Public Health, NHS Confederation, and the Royal Society of Medicine, the coalition applauds the government’s initial steps towards enhancing the nation's health. However, they emphasise that a comprehensive, cross-government strategy, supported by robust funding for public health services, is essential to realise the full potential of public health policies.

Ahead of this month's Autumn budget, the coalition strongly advocates for increased financial commitment to public health. Such investment will not only benefit individual well-being but also support the economy by reducing ill-health.

Jessica Jones, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the National Kidney Federation said, “Chronic kidney disease affects more than 10% of the UK population and this figure is only going to rise with people with diabetes, high-blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and obesity all at increased risk of developing kidney disease. The current economic burden of kidney disease in the UK is £7 billion per year and without direct intervention to increase rates of early diagnosis, prevent disease and increase treatment options, the cost to the NHS and to patients will continue to multiply.”