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The Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC) is deeply concerned by the decision to close the Victorian Public Health Agency (VicHealth).
This move represents a significant setback for public health in Victoria and threatens the state’s capacity to respond effectively to current and future health challenges.
For more than 30 years, VicHealth has played a significant role as a public health leader, through strengthening public health capacity, driving tobacco control reforms and coordinating emergency responses. It has been one of the most influential independent health promotion organisations worldwide. At a time when chronic disease, emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance are on the rise, dismantling this infrastructure is short-sighted and counterproductive.
Given the current global trend of undermining public health and placing preventative health measures under attack, moving VicHealth from an independent entity into an already under-resourced department will diminish its focus on prevention and have serious consequences for public health and the health and wellbeing of Victorians.
ACIPC supports the Public Health Association of Australia’s Save VicHealth campaign, and urges policymakers to reconsider this decision and to prioritise investment in public health capability. Strong, independent and evidence-based public health systems are essential for protecting communities, maintaining healthcare resilience and safeguarding the health system.
More information about the PHAA’s Save VicHealth campaign can be found by clicking the link below:
https://savevichealth.org/about/