EU urged to maintain momentum in drive towards health equity

The Equity Channel has produced an ambitious briefing to drive forward EU plans to tackle health inequalities.

The paper summarises the main points of the communication from the European Commission on this topic, and suggests a series of “next steps” for policymakers.

Suggested measures include the use of indicators to measure the impact of EU policies on health equity and a sharper focus on strategies which can be shown to genuinely reduce the avoidable differences in people’s health.

Additionally, the European Commission is urged to strengthen the ability of different partners to work together, by sharing knowledge and expertise across many different sectors.

Please click here to download the Equity Channel briefing document.

The Equity Channel website is an excellent example of how different partners can showcase the work being carried out across sectors to reduce health inequalities.

EuroHealthNet, an Equity Channel partner, has substantial experience of working on health inequalities within member states via its Determine project, which is currently analysing how well-equipment national governments are to act on the problem.

The EU-funded Gradient project, also co-ordinated by EuroHealthNet, is looking at the impact of public health policies on families and children.

Other partners include University College London, which is carrying out a review of health inequalities in England post 2010, and Business in the Community, which is addressing the role of the private sector in addressing health inequalities.

If you would like get involved and benefit from being part of this unique platform, please go to this section of our website.