- Minister for Health
Eating better, tackling climate change, improving mental health and driving down smoking are among the key features of a roadmap for better health and wellbeing released by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos today launched the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019-2023 - Victoria's vision for creating a healthier state and breaking down barriers to healthier lifestyles.
The plan targets the key challenges to the future health of Victorians, such as smoking and obesity - which remain the two leading causes of preventable death and disease in Victoria.
Smoking claims about 4,000 Victorian lives each year, and being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and several cancers.
The plan identifies initiatives that tackle obesity by encouraging more Victorians to eat better, especially while at school, in hospital, at work, while playing sport or at childcare.
For the first time, the strategy earmarks climate change and the risk of drug-resistant infections as two priorities that must be addressed in order to keep Victorians happy and healthy.
Climate change threatens our health by causing more frequent and ferocious bushfires, deadly heatwaves, algal blooms that threaten our drinking water, and floods, which drive mosquito-borne disease outbreaks and threaten food security.
Preventing injury, reducing harmful alcohol and drug use, and improving sexual and reproductive health are also priorities of the state's health and wellbeing blueprint.
Under the act a state-wide public health and wellbeing plan is updated every four years.
For more information visit health.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
"This is our roadmap for fitter, healthier Victorians, no matter their age, background or where they live."
"For the first time, we're taking a close look at the dangers of climate change to our health - and how we can protect Victorians."
"This plan is about government and the community working together to help Victorians be fit, active and healthy."
