A report has found that preventing poor health is better value for money for the NHS in Wales.
Public Health Wales said that effective programmes to prevent poor health offer great value for money and tackle inequalities.
Prevention initiatives such as early years education, vaccination programmes, smoking cessation, and support for carers can deliver excellent value for money, with an average return of £14 for every £1 invested in them.
They also keep people healthier and address inequalities.
The report says it’s more important than ever to prioritise public funding into prevention measures.
It could help to reverse the decline in the nation’s health, address the root causes of inequalities, and enable the people of Wales to live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
Public Health Wales says that the cost of health inequalities to acute NHS services in Wales is £322 million per year.
Health inequalities occur when people’s health outcomes are different due to things like where they live, income, or ethnic group.
This results in people in the poorest areas of Wales living on average 17 less healthy years of life compared to people in the wealthiest places.
Sumina Azam, national director of policy and international health at Public Health Wales, said: “We know that good health is a fundamental human right, but in Wales, there are unfair differences in how different communities experience good health.
“Investing in prevention is extremely important to support everyone in Wales to live longer and healthier lives.”
Rebecca Masters, consultant in Public Health, said: “The evidence clearly shows that prevention programmes deliver a significant return on investment and can help us achieve a healthier nation.
“By contrast, not carrying out this work stores up greater problems for the future in terms of the impact of ill-health on individuals and communities.
“Now more than ever, preventing future inequalities is fundamental to everyone in Wales.”