What are the implications of epigenetics to PHW Strategy? Content cont’d

Maternal & child health programmes have to be annually accepted as number 1 priority. We need to develop a strong & proactive maternal & child health team & the team should become the centre & the most prominent part of our Trust. We should develop health improvement programmes in antenatal clinics, in nurseries, preschool child care facilities & in schools

Public services like health & education have direct access to the ‘theatres of actions’ (antenatal services, nurseries & schools), Also direct access to the captive audience (mothers, babies, toddlers & school children). Adhering to the principle of ‘Sustained Synergy of Intertwined Actions on Both Children’s Health & Education’. The total outcome will be more than the sum of health plus education as one strengthens & magnifies the other.

This requires a very close working arrangement with WG, LEAs, voluntary, private & public sectors to influence change. The health improvement messages to the population will have to be modified taking into consideration epigenetics science findings, for example: To the teenagers we say “look after your body & your health, the more you care about yourself, the better legacy you give to your children & your grandchildren”. To pregnant women we say the same but we can add “look after yourself, you are the human incubator for your children & your grandchildren”

This is a long term strategy that will only bear fruits if it was adhered to for decades There are considerable technical, biological and financial challenges to translating knowledge about epigenetics into public health applications.