Department of Health Nova Scotia

Public health is about promoting and protecting health and preventing disease and injuries so that all Nova Scotians can live healthier lives.

This is not a simple task. There are many complex factors that influence our health. They include tobacco, alcohol, and unhealthy foods; lack of physical activity; poverty, discrimination and social exclusion; climate change; and healthy development of children.

Solutions to these public health issues require long-term, comprehensive plans and many partners – working together to change the social and physical environments where we spend time, and to address root causes such as the social determinants of health and inequities in our society.

To improve the health of Nova Scotians, we need to understand the health of our communities and take action. The Department of Health and Wellness leads this work, in collaboration with district health authorities, communities, citizens, experts, and other government departments.