Pictured above from left to right is Nazir Afzal OBE, Chancellor, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, and Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, launched The University of Manchester’s new Talk 200 series on 13 February with a lecture on health inequalities. Our Talk 200 series, which includes a mix of in-person and live-streamed lectures and recorded podcast episodes, is part of the University’s bicentenary celebrations.
Addressing health inequalities
In his lecture titled ‘Health inequalities past, present and future’, Professor Whitty considered the main drivers of inequalities and disparities in health, how these have changed over time, and why addressing them remains a major public health priority. He was later joined for a discussion by a panel of experts, chaired by the University’s President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell and including Professor of Nursing, Dame Nicky Cullum and Jane Pilkington, Director of Population Health NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care.
During the discussion, Professor Whitty highlighted the significant role The University of Manchester has played in better understanding health inequalities. He stated: “The University of Manchester has over many years contributed so much to our understanding of both the epidemiology and the treatment of cancers.” However, Professor Whitty highlighted that “[some] cancers (…) are very strongly predicated on poverty.”
He further emphasised the unique position of the University in addressing these health inequalities, saying: “Manchester has some of the best scientists, one of the largest medical schools, [is] one of the most important areas of training for nursing and has also some of the greatest inequalities in the country. If you wanted to start [to address these health inequalities] you couldn’t start in a better place.”
Honorary degree for Professor Whitty
In recognition of his services to public health, an honorary doctorate of medical science was conferred on Professor Whitty during the event. As the Chief Medical Officer for England, he plays a pivotal role in overseeing the country’s health matters. He is also the UK government’s Chief Medical Adviser and head of the public health profession. His illustrious career includes roles as Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department of Health and Social Care, and Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for International Development.
Talk 200 series
The Talk 200 series will continue throughout 2024, marking the University’s bicentenary year. It will reflect on the University’s past, celebrate its present, and look to the future. The lectures – including this launch event – and podcasts will be available to watch on demand on the Talk 200 webpage on our bicentenary website and available to listen to on all major podcast channels.
Stay tuned for more insightful discussions as part of the Talk 200 series.