About public health

Public health is defined as “the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts of society” (Acheson, 1988)

Our Public Health Team aim to improve the overall health of the people on the Island. The team works collaboratively with a range of local services to assess and address the health needs and inequalities in the city, promote healthy living and develop strategies for health improvement. Public health focuses on the entire spectrum of health and wellbeing with activity targeted at either population level, through the likes of health campaign or through the provision of personal services to an individual, such as vaccinations or health and behavioural advice through the Wellbeing Service.

To explain more please watch the 'What is Public health' video.

The most recent Isle of Wight Public Health Annual report ​(PDF, 1.9MB, 34 pages).

The most recent Isle of Wight Public Health Strategy (PDF, 427KB, 16 pages). 

The production of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) aims to bring together key data and information in a way which is accessible to local commissioners, local communities and other stakeholders. It identifies the health and well-being needs of the local population and helps to improve the targeting of services which aim to reduce health inequalities that exist between different localities, groups and communities of the Isle of Wight.

The Health and Wellbeing Board is a statutory body created to oversee and drive forward health and wellbeing priorities of the Island. The board includes a number of partners including councillors and council officers. View the current Health and Wellbeing Strategy for the Isle of Wight (PDF, 728KB).