§ Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the work of the Health Education Authority, listing its achievements since its formation.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe Health Education Authority was set up in April 1987 as an integral part of the National Health Service to advise Ministers on health education issues and to take forward its health education campaigns. The authority is carrying forward its health education work in 10 main areas—smoking, heart disease, AIDS, dental health, alcohol and drug misuse, family and personal health, young people, adult and community, the elderly and professional development. In many cases it is developing work undertaken by the former Health Education Council. Issues such as women's health and ethnic minority health are also being addressed.
The main new developments have been in two major areas, AIDS and the "Look After Your Heart" campaign. Following its assumption of responsibility for development of the mass media aspects of the public education on AIDS, the authority has since run separate campaigns aimed at the general public, in particular young sexually active adults, and holiday and business travellers. These have been supported by the publication of new leaflets giving information about AIDS and HIV infection.
206WThe authority has also worked closely with the Department to launch and take forward the joint "Look After Your Heart" campaign. This activity, together with the wide range of other health education work, is continuing.