DETERMINE partners step up their work

An EU project aiming to stimulate action in Europe on tackling social factors influencing health has published a selection of views from policy makers about how those aims can be met, and why these aims are not already being put into practice.

Called "Voices from the Field", the views are the result of a year long study carried out by partners in the DETERMINE project consortium in 21 European states. The work was coordinated by Equity Channel collaboration partners EuroHealthNet and IUHPE, and can be easily accessed online via the project site www.health-inequalities.eu

The Determine project consortium has just completed its annual meeting, held in Prague at the invitation of the EU contract holders, the National Institute for Public Health, and the Czech Presidency of the EU. An important debate on human rights and health was prompted by a presentation from the National Institute.

Partners agreed schedules for the next phases of work, including:

•    A study of how economic analyses are currently used for work on public health linked to other sectors
•    Reports on several innovative initiatives in Denmark, Hungary, Slovenia and Belgium
•    Plans in almost all member states to develop local abilities to address health determinants
•    Preparations for a high level conference during the EU Presidency of Spain in spring 2010

At the meeting, Dr Kate Pickett, co-author with Professor Richard Wilkinson of the influential book The Spirit Level, spoke of their work and the evidence that social and economic equality is fundamental for successful states across the world. A campaign website, The Equality Trust, has been set up to develop this work.

Full information on the work of DETERMINE can be found on the project homepage, including details about known case studies and opportunities to contribute ideas, evidence and links.