Public Health Scotland Update

27 March 2026

Welcome to the March edition of the Public Health Scotland Newsletter. The past month has seen the release of new blogs, publications and the latest health news from the Public Health Scotland website. We encourage you to browse our latest updates and gain an insight into how we are working towards a Scotland where everybody thrives.

The smoking ban has shown that meaningful change is possible

To mark the twentieth anniversary of the smoking ban, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is highlighting the profound impact — a public health success story that continues to shape the nation’s wellbeing.

Update on meningitis

PHS is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), other public health colleagues across the UK and NHS Boards in Scotland, to monitor the outbreak of meningitis in Kent.

Vaccines from age 65 and beyond: What to expect and when

In our latest blog, Claire Cameron, Consultant in Public Health from our Vaccination and Immunisation Division, explains which vaccines are offered later in life and when people aged 65 and over can expect to receive them.

HPV Awareness Day: Making protection equal for everyone

In this blog, we shine a spotlight on HPV Awareness Day and the importance of protecting everyone from HPV‑related diseases. With insights from the Throat Cancer Foundation, we explore what HPV is, why prevention matters and what more can be done to ensure equal access to life‑saving vaccination and screening.

Taking action together - improving diet and healthy weight across Scotland

To mark World Obesity Day, Claire Hislop, Organisational Lead, Food and Physical Activity, reflected on our recent Improving Diet and Healthy Weight conference and the power of partnership it demonstrated.

Why better bus services matter for health and equality

Dr Karen Conduit-Turner, Public Health Registrar at NHS Tayside joined Public Health Scotland (PHS) for 10 months to work with the Public Health and Sustainable Transport Partnership. Here, she reflects on the importance of bus services for health in local communities.

Long-term monitoring of health inequalities in Scotland by area deprivation

This report provides an updated overview of how health outcomes vary according to the level of deprivation in the areas people live.

Cancer survival statistics

This release provides information on cancer survival in Scotland for individuals (aged 15-99) diagnosed during the period 2018 to 2022.

View the report

Scottish Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening programme statistics

This release provides an annual update on the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening programme in Scotland. This programme aims to reduce the number of deaths caused by abdominal aneurysms in men aged 65 and over.