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** 4 March 2025
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** UK
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** UK death rate reaches record low but long-term progress remains slow (#1)
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** NHS governance review highlights need for clearer accountability (#2)
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** Global obesity crisis set to worsen without urgent intervention (#3)
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** Gang jailed for smuggling £1.5m of illicit tobacco into Scotland (#4)
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** International
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** Dutch minister criticises EU delay on nicotine product regulations (#5)
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** UK
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** UK death rate reaches record low but long-term progress remains slow

New analysis has found that the UK death rate in 2024 dropped to its lowest recorded level, returning to pre-pandemic figures and slightly improving on the previous low in 2019. However, experts highlight that this only resumes a trend of slow progress seen since 2011, contrasting with faster recoveries in other comparable nations. Mortality rates halved between 1974 and 2011, largely driven by improvements in tackling heart diseases including reduced smoking prevalence, and medical advances.

While overall mortality continues to decline, there is concern over rising death rates among younger adults, particularly those linked to substance use and external causes. Factors such as obesity, poor diet, and health inequalities are also seen as major challenges. Experts call for urgent government action to improve prevention and healthcare services to sustain long-term improvements.

Source: BBC news, 3 March 2025
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** NHS governance review highlights need for clearer accountability

The new chair of NHS England, Penny Dash, has underscored the importance of local boards in delivering quality care, suggesting a shift in responsibility from regulators to providers. Dr Dash pointed to other industries where accountability is more clearly defined, particularly through board structures.

Dr Dash, who has conducted multiple reviews into healthcare oversight, is set to release further findings on regulatory bodies and patient safety organisations. She highlighted the challenge of navigating a complex landscape of recommendations from numerous inquiries, stressing the need for a more streamlined approach.

She also advocated for a broader definition of quality that includes efficiency and resource management, suggesting a more effective use of data to guide decision-making. Concerns were raised about outdated statistics on patient harm and the significant variation in care effectiveness across different regions.

Source: HSJ, 4 March 2025

See also: Department of Health and Social Care - Dr Penelope Dash confirmed as new chair of NHS England ([link removed])
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** Global obesity crisis set to worsen without urgent intervention

A new study, published on World Obesity Day, forecasts that by 2050, over half of the world’s adults and a third of younger people will be living with overweight or obesity. Researchers warn that the rate of obesity is expected to rise sharply, particularly in lower-income countries, placing significant strain on healthcare systems.

The study, covering more than 200 countries, highlights the rapid increase in obesity since 1990, with figures doubling among adults and young people. China, India, and the USA are predicted to have the largest populations affected, while sub-Saharan Africa is expected to see a dramatic rise.

Experts stress that immediate government action is necessary to prevent a full-scale global health crisis. Targeted prevention and intervention strategies could mitigate the impact, particularly among young people in regions at risk of a widespread transition to obesity. The study does not account for the potential influence of new weight loss medications, which could play a key role in future trends.

Source: BBC news, 4 March 2025

See also: The Lancet - Global, regional, and national prevalence of adult overweight and obesity, 1990–2021, with forecasts to 2050: a forecasting study for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 ([link removed](25)00355-1/fulltext)
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** Gang jailed for smuggling £1.5m of illicit tobacco into Scotland

A group involved in smuggling and distributing nearly £1.5 million worth of illegal tobacco in Scotland has been sentenced to more than 16 years in prison. The operation, led from Glasgow, saw raw tobacco illegally imported, processed into counterfeit hand-rolling tobacco, and sold in fake packaging. Authorities uncovered the scheme after searching properties and storage units across England, seizing large quantities of illicit tobacco linked to unpaid duty. One member of the gang also laundered criminal profits to fund a property purchase using fraudulent mortgage applications.

Despite denying their involvement, all four individuals were convicted following a trial. Officials have warned that the illicit tobacco trade harms public services by reducing tax revenue. They urge the public to report any suspected smuggling or illegal sales.

Source: The Daily Record, 3 March 2025
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** International
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** Dutch minister criticises EU delay on nicotine product regulations

The Dutch health minister has criticised the European Commission’s decision to postpone legislation on nicotine products, arguing that delays may harm public health. In a letter to the EU health commissioner, he urged swift action to address the growing market of new nicotine alternatives. Belgium and Latvia have also backed the call for stronger regulations, which would include restrictions on flavours, nicotine content, and standardised packaging.

The letter highlights inconsistencies in how member states regulate these products, with some enforcing strict rules while others allow online sales that bypass national bans. It also calls for a legal framework to prevent cross-border sales and urges social media platforms to take responsibility for removing promotional content targeting young people. While some countries support tougher measures, others, including Greece and Italy, oppose broad EU-wide restrictions.

Source: Euractiv, 3 March 2025
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.

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