Health inequalities action must target people experiencing poverty, exclusion and social inequity

Given the extensive available body of evidence, EPHA urged the Commission to act to tackle inequalities, particularly in the current economic climate.

Disease and injury prevention, facilitating access to healthcare and promotion of well-being must be priorities at this moment. Minimising the impact of the crisis on the health of individuals is a complex task, but this must be combined with existing action on health determinants such as tobacco, alcohol and nutrition.

EPHA recommends that any action taken at Community, national or local level must incorporate two key objectives to be tackled independently but in conjuction:

 Mitigating the health impact of poverty and exclusion on affected population groups.

 Addressing the poverty cycle to break intergenerational health inequalities.

Appropriate action at appropriate levels is another key demand for EPHA. Interventions to mitigate health inequalities are targeted at specific excluded groups, and ownership and leadership of these initiatives needs to be at a local level. National and Community-level actions bring added value by addressing the broader determinants of health that are determined by national or EU policy. National governments and EU can also lend financial support and provide an arena for an exchange of learning.

Health inequalities have been increasing in Europe over the last decade, and EU development policies have contributed to this. EPHA seeks a comprehensive reevaluation of these policies to ensure that no part of the European population is being left behind.

EPHA encourages cooperation between health policy makers and their colleagues in housing, town planning and education among others. Health policy makers must also recognise the role of health advocates in bringing together and building relationships across sectors.

Please find the full consultation response below