Public Health Scotland responds to new evidence highlighting local progress and urgent need for action nationally and locally on health equity
First published on 13 October 2026
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Public Health Scotland (PHS) has welcomed a new report from the Institute of Health Equity (IHE) which highlights how local action, partnership working, prevention and a focus on health equity can improve health and reduce inequalities.
The report, A Fairer Healthier Scotland: The Collaboration for Health Equity, showcases learning from the three Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland (CHES) areas, where PHS has played a leading role in supporting partners to apply the Marmot Principles and place health equity at the centre of decision-making. By bringing together evidence, insight and local leadership, partners are sharing resources, redesigning services and developing more integrated approaches that better support people, families and communities.
The report showcases how each of the three CHES areas – Aberdeen City, North Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire – demonstrate collaboration between health services, local authorities, the third sector and communities can help address the root causes of poor health, while creating the conditions for people to live healthier lives.
Despite positive local progress, health inequalities remain significant and deeply rooted. The report is clear that Scotland must go much further to tackle these widening inequalities, calling for coordinated action to ensure health equity is a shared national priority and at the heart of policy, public service reform and decision-making across Scottish Government, local government, the NHS, businesses, employers, third sector and communities.
Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of Public Health Scotland, said:
"The report from the Institute of Health Equity recognises that change is possible when we work together at a national and local level.
“Scotland already has important foundations in place. Commitments to prevention through the Programme for Government, alongside the Population Health Framework and important learning from each CHES area with clear evidence that partnership working, prevention and long-term investment can make a difference. Together these provide strong building blocks for further action.
"Public Health Scotland is committed to working with partners to take forward the six recommendations outlined in the report and help create the conditions for everyone in Scotland to have the opportunity for a healthy life."