Dr Muna Abdel Aziz has been officially appointed as Warrington’s Director of Public Health.
Acting director of Public Health since May, Dr Abdel Aziz will now take up the role on a permanent basis, taking a leading role in the work to improve the quality of local people’s health.
She will help deliver Warrington’s public health priorities for the coming years, including the continuing efforts to drive down smoking levels in the borough; tackling alcohol and substance misuse, improving mental health and emotional wellbeing, supporting Warrington to be a healthy weight and tackling obesity.
Dr Abdel Aziz said: “I am delighted to be appointed to this position and I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues and partners to reduce health inequalities in Warrington.
“We are a growing borough with a strong economy. If we are to ensure everyone benefits from this growth, it’s vital that we protect and improve local people’s health. I’m confident that by working together, we can continue to build healthier futures for all our communities.”
Dr Abdel Aziz has a medical degree and began her career in public health in 1992 as an academic. She completed her MD in Sudan, received her PhD from Cambridge University and is professionally accredited as a specialist in public health in both countries.
She worked as a consultant in Public Health in Salford and Sheffield, before helping establish the national Public Health Institute in Sudan, in her role as Deputy Director.
Her work has covered areas as diverse as malaria, maternal and child health, long term conditions, health impact assessments of industry, mobile health and retention of the health workforce.
Dr Abdel Aziz joined Warrington Borough Council as a Consultant in Public Health in November 2013. Her interest in economy and health is central to her work on the ‘Health in Business’ programme in Warrington, and ‘Health in Planning’ to develop the health and social care estate alongside growth in the town.
Executive board member for public health and wellbeing, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, said: “We’re delighted to confirm Muna’s appointment to this important role. She has been an excellent public health director on an interim basis and we look forward to her continuing to help us drive forward Warrington’s public health agenda in the years to come.
“Muna brings a wealth of experience to the post, and the range of work she has done – both here and abroad – means she is exceptionally well placed to help us deliver better health for local people.”
