Overview: Narrowing the gap

Our first report is an overview of the key findings from our series on the future of public health and examines the current challenges and future requirements for a resilient public health system in the UK. The pandemic has exposed the impact of long-standing health inequalities and a lack of progress in addressing the social determinants of health as well as serious shortcomings in public health funding and in the roles, responsibilities and accountabilities a beleaguered public health workforce.

At the same time, it has highlighted the crucial role of public health in health protection, ill-health prevention and in promoting healthy behaviours and led to the rapid adoption of innovative ways of working. The report supports action to improve public health and narrow the inequalities gap and optimise the link between health and productivity, and how improving public health is crucial for economic recovery and growth.