The government has published its new Public Health Strategy for 2025 to 2030, setting out a vision where islanders can “live happier and healthier lives, independently, for longer.”
The strategy is built on the principle that health is shaped by more than just healthcare.
Director of Public Health, Dr Matthew Tyrer, said: “We are not dissimilar from other developed countries with an ageing population, rising levels of overweight and obesity, and the ongoing impact of smoking and alcohol-related harm.
“Our goal is to ensure that people in the Isle of Man are happy and fulfilled. By getting the basics right and putting the right measures in place, we can help people live healthier, happier, and more independent lives for longer.”
Priorities
The plan is structured around three core priorities: ‘Starting & Learning Well’, ‘Living & Working Well’, and ‘Staying Healthier for Longer’.
It acknowledges significant challenges, citing that in 2024, 19.7% of adults reported drinking above recommended limits and over a quarter of children in Reception and Year 6 were classified as overweight in the 2023/24 school year.
The strategy also sets out targets including increasing vaccine uptake, after a significant drop amongst children receiving early age jabs like MMR, expanding the Stop Smoking Service and developing a centralised data system.
The strategy commits to focus on reducing health inequalities and says this will require collaboration across government, the voluntary sector, businesses, and communities.