Health Protection Agency welcomes the launch of UK’s new global health strategy

30 September 2008

The Health Protection Agency welcomes the publication of the Government's Global Health Strategy, which sets out a co-ordinated approach to assessing the impact of the UK's policies on global health

As an independent agency responsible for providing expert advice and services for health protection, the Agency is internationally recognised as a source of expertise and knowledge, which includes World Health Organization collaborating centres and internationally designated laboratories

The Agency's contribution to the UK's initiatives to address global health challenges such as infectious diseases and environmental, radiation and chemical threats to public health is acknowledged in the Global Health Strategy by the announcement of new funding to support the Agency's international work.

Professor Nigel Lightfoot, Chief Adviser on the Agency's global health protection programme said: "The Health Protection Agency is delighted to have been awarded funding of £1.9 million to further its global health protection work over the next five years. The Agency is uniquely placed to work with international organisations such as the World Health Organization, the European Union and a number of other partners to help improve the health of people not only in the UK but globally." 

This international work covers the full range of health protection priorities addressed by the Agency. Specific initiatives include strengthening capacity to implement the International Health Regulations. The Agency's expertise and capability in surveillance of disease, laboratory diagnosis and intervention strategies mean it is in a strong position to help other countries improve their capacity building in respect of public health protection.

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Notes to editors:

1. For further information call the Centre for Infections Press Office on 020 8327 7097/7080/7098/6690/6647.
2. Further information on the Department of Health's Global health strategy can be found here; http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/International/DH_072715

Last reviewed: 30 September 2008