The paper aims to include in the discussion about health inequalities, the latest changes in the European context, as well as the newest ways to tackle the issue, notably on how to measure differences in health.
Social inequities in health are defined as the systematic differences in health status between socioeconomic groups. They are socially produced and therefore can be modified, they are avoidable and unfair.
The authors therefore call for a new way of thinking in european policies.
EPHA response to the health strategy
After having reviewed the main concepts, the paper develops 10 key principles for policy action on health inequalities:
1. Policies should strive to level up, not level down
2. Interdependence of the different approaches
3. Population health policies should have a two-fold purpose: promoting health gains in the population and reducing health inequities
4. Actions should target tackling the social determinants of health inequities
5. Intentions are not enough: Actions doing harm must be monitored
6. The extent of inequities and progress must be monitored by appropriate tools
7. Give a voice to the voiceless
8. A gender-based approach to health inequities
9. Relate differences in health by ethnic background or geography to socioeconomic background
10. Health systems should be built on equity principles.
