Media release: A new voice to boost New Zealand’s response to major public health challenges

The new Public Health Communication Centre (PHCC) will boost the impact of research to improve health and equity in Aotearoa New Zealand along with greater environmental sustainability. 

Director of the PHCC, well-known University of Otago epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker, says this country can claim some of the most effective public health initiatives in the world.

Leading examples include New Zealand’s new smokefree legislation and its Covid-19 response which has kept excess mortality below zero for the duration of pandemic, one of the only countries to have achieved that success.

“At the same time, we are lagging behind many high-income countries in some areas such as infant mortality, particularly for Māori and Pasifika.”

Speaking at the launch of the PHCC (9 February) he says the Centre has been set up to strengthen communication between researchers and the wider community. “We want to ensure the public, the media, and policymakers are getting the full benefit of the wealth of quality public health research evidence available.”

“The PHCC aims to build on widely shared values of fairness, a desire to leave our society better than when we found it, and pride in our natural environment,” says Professor Baker. “These values are central to improving public health, which relies on a foundation of equity, a long-term perspective, and good environmental stewardship.” 

The PHCC and its flagship publication, The Briefing, will highlight Aotearoa New Zealand public health research, provide commentary and analysis, and make high-quality international research accessible. 

Professor Baker says that this research can identify opportunities for improved responses to emerging threats such as infectious disease outbreaks and better prevention of major existing health problems such as heart disease, cancer, and poor mental health.

“It can also support evidence-based policy and practices to address the underlying drivers of poor health and inequality such as poverty and environmental degradation.”

“Public health interventions have delivered numerous benefits to New Zealanders. They have wiped out many lethal childhood infectious diseases contributing to a doubling in life expectancy over the last century. A public health approach is essential for responding to our biggest challenges like ensuring healthy homes, better nutrition, and reducing the drivers of climate change.”

As part of launching the new Centre, the PHCC will be publishing a series of articles on key public health issues this election year. They will look at areas such as planning for the long game in public health, eliminating Māori health inequities, and ensuring safe drinking water for all New Zealanders.

Hosted by the University of Otago, the PHCC is an independent organisation funded by an endowment from the philanthropic Gama Foundation.