EPHA welcomes first steps and calls for bold action on health inequalities

***PRESS COMMUNIQUE***

Brussels, 20 October 2009

The European Commission has released today a ’Communication on Solidarity in Health: Reducing health inequalities in the EU.’ The European Public Health Alliance welcomes the adoption of the long-awaited document and congratulates the Commission, and particularly Commissioners Vassiliou and Spidla, on delivering the first step in tackling health inequalities within and between Member States in Europe. A series of actions to help Member States and other actors tackle the gaps in health were announced.

There is enough evidence to act. The WHO Commission on the Social Determinants of Health has a developed framework for action to reduce these inequalities and the EU needs to use this Communication as a stepping stone to bring about an effective and permanent change. We call on the new Commission, the Council and the Parliament to take the WHO recommendations seriously and specifically address the underlying drivers of health inequalities that lie outside the health system.

"Current policies are failing our most vulnerable," said Monika Kosinska, EPHA’s Secretary General. "We know what the problems are - this Communication marks an important first step but we need to be bold and move away from business as usual."

"We must take a critical look at how we use the tools available at European level, such as CAP and structural funds, and adjust and refine them," she continued. "In order to lay the foundations for a sustainable society, solidarity and equity need to underpin all of Europe’s policies."

With the post-Lisbon agenda, the Commission now has the opportunity to tackle this at the Community level, by placing health and health equity high in its new framework for regeneration. "This opportunity must not be wasted!", said Ms. Kosinska.

***NOTES FOR EDITORS****

EPHA is the European Platform bringing together public health organisations representing professional groups, patients, health promotion and disease specific NGOs and other health associations.

Further information :

EPHA’s position on the Commission Health Inequalities Consultation

WHO Report from the Commission on Social Determinants of Health