Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD
Minister for Public Health Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy
Reducing preventable illness will improve physical and mental health and quality of life, ease pressure on our health service and support our economy as our population grows and ages.
As Minister responsible for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, I regularly meet with people whose lives have been seriously affected by preventable conditions like cardiovascular diseases, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Hearteningly, I’ve also witnessed the incredible work of our clinicians and healthcare staff and those involved in screening, early diagnosis and the research and development of innovative treatments.
Prevention: key to future-ready health service
Quality, timely care and treatment are our priority, but prevention must be the cornerstone of a future-ready, patient-focused health service.
The risk of some diseases is increased in people who are overweight and obese. Fortunately, scientific evidence shows that even modest increases in physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Addressing a complex, chronic disease such as obesity is a significant challenge requiring robust public health measures across a range of sectors.
We’re making progress and working in tandem with our international counterparts to turn the tide. Our approach is echoed by the European Commission’s new Safe Hearts Plan, which places prevention at the core of its ambition to tackle cardiovascular diseases and associated risk factors, including obesity.
Under the Obesity Policy and Action Plan, we’ve delivered meaningful improvements in breastfeeding rates and introduced a suite of Healthy Eating Guidelines along with a range of health promotion and education measures.
Quality, timely care and treatment are our priority, but prevention must be the cornerstone of a future-ready, patient-focused health service.
Placing prevention in everyday spaces
Our National Physical Activity Framework 2024-2030 aims to make Ireland the most physically active nation in Europe across all ages. It embeds physical activity across schools, workplaces, communities, transport systems and healthcare settings, placing prevention in everyday environments.
The GP Chronic Disease Management programme also aims to identify those at most risk of developing disease and with established disease, supporting them to manage risk factors for disease or an existing condition. 91% of patients with chronic disease are now routinely supported and cared for at the primary care level.
Protecting and improving cardiometabolic health to create a healthier population isn’t an individual responsibility; it’s a collective effort that demands coordinated action from all sectors. Together, we can create an environment that supports healthy living and ensures a healthier future for all.
