The Department of Health and Social Care has announced a new body to tackle health inequalities across the UK - and it will follow the lead of Professor Chris Whitty.
The new Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) was launched on Friday, and it will see "a new approach to pubic health", the Government said.
OHID's remit will involve working to prevent health conditions before they develop.
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Health inequalities are particularly stark in the North East - where South Tyneside in particular has seen one of the biggest drops in life expectancy due to the Covid-19 crisis - and in September, researchers revealed the "massive" impact Covid-19 has had on the North.
The Government pointed to stats showing how obesity and smoking are more prevalent in the most deprived areas of the country, and said OHID would "co-ordinate an ambitious programme" to improve public health.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: "The pandemic has laid bare the health disparities we face not only as a country, but as communities and individuals.
"This must change and this body marks a new era of preventative healthcare to help people live healthier, happier and longer lives."
Prof Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, will "provide leadership" to the new body, while co-leads will be his new deputy Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy and Jonathan Marron.
Prof Whitty said: "Health inequalities in England are stark and they are challenging to address but it is important we do so.
"People across the country can live in better health for longer. OHID will support people to do so with an evidence based approach."
OHID has set out plans to work with national, regional and local government, along with the NHS, academics, and charities.
