The role of health protection teams in reducing health inequities: findings from a qualitative study.

Introduction: The UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) Health Protection Teams (HPTs) provide specialist public health advice and operational support to NHS, local authorities and other agencies in England. The development of a three-year UKHSA Health Equity strategy creates a unique opportunity for HPTs to reduce health inequities within their work.

Aims: This study aimed to understand current health equity activities and structures within HPTs, and to propose future HPT-led health equity activities.