Health Minister Mike Nesbitt Engages with Derry's Community Health Initiatives

On July 24, 2025, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt visited Derry to engage with the Derry and Strabane Healthy City and District Leadership Group, focusing on community health initiatives aimed at addressing pre-diabetes and health inequalities. The meeting highlighted the ongoing collaboration among various sectors working to improve health outcomes in the area.

The Derry and Strabane Healthy City and District Leadership Group, which meets quarterly, aims to direct health initiatives and foster intersectoral partnerships. During this visit, Minister Nesbitt was briefed on the Live Better pre-diabetes community education program recently implemented in the Triax area, which includes neighborhoods such as Bogside, Brandywell, Creggan, and The Fountain. This initiative is set to expand across the district this Autumn, aiming to educate at-risk populations about diabetes management and prevention.

Edel O'Doherty, Chief Executive of Developing Healthy Communities, emphasized the significance of this meeting, stating, "The meeting was a great opportunity to share a project which is already making a meaningful impact to people at risk of diabetes in our communities." O'Doherty further noted the importance of the Health and Social Care Reset Plan, which aims to stabilize and reform health services amidst ongoing financial challenges. She remarked, "It's encouraging to see leadership committed to addressing both the challenges and opportunities within the healthcare system while acknowledging the need to create health at the community level."

Derry City and Strabane District Council, in collaboration with the Public Health Agency, coordinates the local efforts as part of the World Health Organization's (WHO) European Network of Healthy Cities. According to WHO guidelines, a healthy city actively strives to improve health rather than merely achieving a specific health status. Derry City & Strabane was re-designated as a WHO Healthy City for the third time in 2022, with plans for a new phase of the program commencing in 2026.

This engagement also provided a platform to discuss the potential health benefits stemming from the £250 million City Deal, reinforcing the interconnectedness of health, economic, and social determinants affecting the local population. The collective vision is to enhance public health through sustainable practices and community involvement.

As health disparities continue to challenge communities worldwide, Derry's proactive approach through intersectoral collaboration serves as a model for other regions grappling with similar issues. The emphasis on education, community engagement, and collaboration is vital for fostering healthier environments and addressing the root causes of health inequalities. Future initiatives are expected to build on this foundation, involving greater community participation and holistic health strategies to ensure lasting impacts on public health.