Public Health England outlines new global health strategy

A new global health strategy from Public Health England has outlined a series of key priorities that it will be investing in over the next five years.

The government body has pledged to help improve global health security and meet responsibilities under International Health Regulations, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance, climate change, bioterrorism, new and emerging infections and cross-border threats, among other issues.

It will also be seeking to enhance its response to outbreaks and incidents of international concern, while building public health capacity in low and middle-income countries, and strengthening UK partnerships for global health activity.

The new strategy will be delivered through the development of an annual delivery plan for 2014 to 2019.

Professor Anthony Kessel, director of international public health, said: "Our vision is that the Public Health England global health strategy will contribute to improving global health and reducing global health inequalities, while helping to protect and improve health in England."

Public Health England was established in April 2013 to bring together public health specialists from more than 70 organisations into a single service. It employs 5,000 staff members, including scientists, researchers and public health professionals.