EuroHealthNet Annual Seminar

Making Progress on Health Equity

05.06.2023 (Oslo, NO & Online)

 

SUMMARY

EuroFIR attended the annual seminar “Making progress on Health Equity” organised by EuroHealthNet. The conference focused on the social determinants of health, which are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, and how they shape health outcomes. It highlighted the inequalities in health that exist globally, with marginalised populations facing greater health risks and poorer access to healthcare. The seminar emphasised the need for a holistic approach to address health inequalities, which includes addressing social factors such as poverty, education, housing, and employment. It also highlighted the impacts of climate change on health and the need to prioritise climate action. The conference concluded by suggesting various next steps, including policy development, community engagement, research, climate change mitigation, collaboration, education, and leadership. These actions are essential to promote health equity, social justice, and improve the well-being of all populations.

 

POSSIBLE ACTIONS:

Policy development

Governments and international organisations can prioritise the development and implementation of policies that address social determinants of health, promote non-communicable disease prevention, and prioritise health equity and social justice.

Community engagement

Engaging communities in the design and implementation of public health programs and policies can ensure that interventions are tailored to local needs and are more effective. This can involve partnerships with community organisations, grassroots initiatives, and participatory decision-making processes.

Research and data collection

Further research and data collection can help identify specific health inequalities, understand their underlying causes, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. This can inform evidence-based decision-making and enable the development of targeted strategies.

Climate change mitigation and adaptation

Taking action on climate change is crucial for protecting public health. This can include transitioning to clean and sustainable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, implementing climate-resilient infrastructure, and raising awareness about the health impacts of climate change.

Collaboration and partnerships

Collaboration between different sectors, including health, education, housing, and employment, is essential to address health inequalities comprehensively. Building strong partnerships with stakeholders, including governments, civil society organisations, and the private sector, can leverage resources and expertise to drive meaningful change.

Education and advocacy

Promoting awareness and understanding of the social determinants of health, health inequalities, and the impacts of climate change can help mobilise public support and generate political will for action. Education campaigns and advocacy efforts can play a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting policy changes.

Leadership and accountability

Effective leadership at all levels, from local to global, is essential to drive change and address health inequalities. Leaders need to prioritise health equity, social justice, and the well-being of all populations. Establishing accountability mechanisms can ensure that progress is measured, targets are set, and actions are taken to reduce health inequalities.