In a bold move to address Scotland’s escalating health crisis, health experts have unveiled a comprehensive ten-year strategy aimed at curbing the key risk factors contributing to the nation’s high mortality rate. Spearheaded by the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Alliance Scotland, a coalition of 24 health organisations, the strategy calls for decisive action against the pervasive influence of alcohol, tobacco, and unhealthy food and drink, which are implicated in diseases responsible for a staggering four in five deaths in Scotland.

The report, titled “Creating A Healthier Scotland,” underscores an urgent need to confront what is described as an alcohol emergency, the rising threat of nicotine addiction among the youth, and the exploitative marketing tactics that perpetuate an unhealthy food culture. It proposes pivotal measures including restricting the marketing of harmful products, implementing levies and taxes, and curbing their availability.

David McColgan, chairman of NCD Alliance Scotland, highlighted the Scottish Government’s past successes, such as the 2006 smoking ban and the 2012 minimum unit pricing of alcohol. However, he criticised current inaction and called for renewed courage and commitment to regulate industries profiting from public ill-health. “This is a call to action to protect the health of the Scottish people by reducing the influence and availability of health-harming products,” McColgan urged.

Responding to the report, Public Health Minister Jenni Minto acknowledged the importance of the proposed strategy, emphasising the government’s commitment to increasing healthy life expectancy and reducing health inequalities. The government is actively collaborating with NCD Alliance Scotland to develop a Population Health Framework aimed at tackling the social and economic determinants of ill-health.

As the Scottish Parliament celebrates 25 years of devolution, this new strategy is a chance to make a real difference in public health, helping everyone in Scotland make healthier choices as part of everyday life.

Source: STV