The UK Government has announced significant funding of nearly £200m ($206.47m) to enhance local public health services across the country.

This funding aims to improve health outcomes and build healthier communities by supporting prevention programmes tailored to residents' needs.

It forms a key part of the government’s 'Plan for Change', which will move the emphasis from hospital-centric care to community-based prevention, aiming to create a sustainable, future-ready NHS.

Public Health and Prevention Minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Lord Darzi’s investigation into the NHS found that children are sicker today than a decade ago, and adults are falling into ill health earlier in life.

“Prevention is better than cure. If we can reach people earlier and help them stay healthy, this extra investment will pay for itself several times over in reduced demand on the NHS and by keeping people in work.

“Whether it’s supporting people to quit smoking, giving children a healthy start to life, or providing addiction recovery services, this investment as part of the government’s Plan for Change will make a real difference in communities across the country.”

The funding will be directed towards essential services, such as local health protection services, family and school nurses, sexual health clinics, smoking cessation programmes, addiction recovery, and public health support for local NHS services.

With a 5.4% cash uplift (3% in real terms) from last year's funding, the total allocation for public health grants will rise to £3.858bn.

This investment is expected to address the root causes of ill health and create healthier communities across the UK.

By helping individuals live better for longer, the government aims to alleviate pressure on the NHS and support the 'Plan for Change' in reducing hospital backlogs.