Action to improve public health in Scotland

Scotland faces a number of significant public health challenges. 

We have the lowest life expectancy in western Europe, and people in our most deprived communities die more than a decade earlier than those in the wealthiest areas.

Tackling these challenging means addressing the underlying causes of poor health and inequality, including the circumstances in which we’re born, live and work.    

Find out more about what action we’re taking with the wider public health system to reduce inequalities and create a Scotland where everyone thrives.

Population Health Framework

Public Health Scotland (PHS) strongly welcomes the publication of Scottish Government’s and COSLA’s Population Health Framework in June 2025.

This sets out the long-term, collective approach to improving Scotland’s health and reducing health inequalities for the next decade.

We have contributed extensively to the Population Health Framework and strongly support the long-term and ambitious approach it takes to improving population health.

The Population Health Framework makes clear that responsibility for health extends far beyond the NHS. It sets out vital, evidence-based actions for every sector across Scotland to transform health outcomes and tackle health inequalities at their root.

Read our blog welcoming the Population Health Framework.

Consensus statements

People living in the poorest areas remain much more likely to experience poor-quality buildings and spaces and are at increased risks from climate-related threats.

Scotland’s most deprived communities also have more alcohol and tobacco outlets, bookmakers and takeaways, so there is greater exposure to health-harming commodities.

PHS has worked with members of the Scottish Public Health System to develop a number of consensus statements which outline the actions required to improve the health and well-being of Scotland’s population.

Better Places – why we need them and how we will get them

PHS and the Scottish Directors of Public Health have published a consensus statement – Better Places.

This document outlines how those operating in the public, private, third voluntary and community sectors can adopt place-based approaches, which will support improvements in health for local people.

View the 'Better Places' consensus statement.

Improving Scotland's diet and weight

PHS and the Scottish Directors of Public Health have published a consensus statement – Improving Scotland’s diet and weight.

This document outlines the urgent need for action to improve the health and well-being of Scotland’s population through decisive action to improve diet and weight.

View the 'Improving Scotland's diet and weight' consensus statement.

Calls for action on stopping tobacco smoking and youth vaping

Members of the Scottish Public Health System have issued a position statement that calls for national and local action to help stop tobacco smoking and youth vaping in Scotland.

The group, a collaboration between PHS and Scottish Directors of Public Health, highlights that both issues present a public health challenge that requires bold and collective action.

View the 'Stopping tobacco smoking and youth vaping' consensus statement.

Our strategic plan

You can also read our current strategic plan.

We are in the process of developing a new 10-year strategy, due later in 2025.

We will ensure it aligns with and actively delivers against the ambitions of both the Population Health and Service Renewal Framework, supporting progress across the five key prevention drivers and system-wide reform.