Statement: Responding to the launch of the UK Health Security Agency

Today’s announcement provides some clarity about the leadership of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and we look forward to further details setting out the government’s wider approach to public health system reform and health inequalities.

Putting local public health knowledge and skills at the centre of the UKHSA is critical to its success and we therefore warmly welcome Dr Jenny Harries, who has a wealth of public health experience including as a Director of Public Health, to the role of Chief Executive. We are committed to building a strong and collaborative relationship with her and the Chair of UKHSA, Ian Peters. 

COVID-19 is rightly the focus of the public health community and country. However, the future organisation and direction of other inextricably linked dimensions of public health - health improvement and healthcare public health – are just as important as we seek to tackle health inequalities and create healthy places for all.