[EQ] Policies and actions addressing the social determinants of health inequalities

Policies and actions addressing the social determinants of health inequalities:
Examples of activity at EU and member state level in Europe

 

DETERMINE is an EU Consortium for Action on the Socio-economic Determinants of Health (SDH). 2009

Available online at: http://www.health-inequalities.eu/pdf.php?id=3d14434d4f7ba34b262eab73cdfe0a50

 

“…..The first working document is based on an analysis of 16 questionnaires in 10 policy fields, and identifies and explores actions being taken at the regional, national and EU level on the SDH which contribute to reducing health inequalities. The results reflect that although there is no systematic way to address the SDH to reduce health inequalities, many different measures are being taken in other policy areas that can contribute to this goal. The report points to different kinds of mechanisms, such as inter-sectoral committees and impact assessments that facilitate inter-sectoral work

 

“….The aim of this analysis was to get a better insight into EU governments’ experiences with cross-sectoral collaboration to address the social determinants of health inequalities, in order to build on these experiences.

 

The outcomes point to a wide range of action on the social determinants of health across Europe. Some of the factors which appear likely to contribute to action include:

• Where addressing SDHI is a stated government priority e.g. in the case of Scotland.

• Where there is a cross departmental strategy to address SDHI e.g. the Investing for Health strategy in Northern Ireland.

• Where there is reference to SDHI in policy documents – many examples are available.

• Where there are cross-government mechanisms in place which support the establishment and maintenance of partnerships
  – e.g. Social Partnership Agreement in the Republic of Ireland.

• Where there are policy tools in place to facilitate action, such as IA and evaluation.

• Where there is evidence available which demonstrates clear links between health and social inequalities – e.g. Netherlands, UK, Scandinavia

• Where there is leadership at both EU and national level – e.g. Finland and UK in EU presidency….”

Table of Contents

Introduction

Clarification of terms

Building on the existing knowledge base

Task 1 outline

Overview of findings

Section one: Policy

Health Inequalities Strategies

Health Strategies referring to SDHI

Addressing SDHI in education strategies

Addressing SDHI in employment strategies

Addressing SDHI in economic strategies

Addressing SDHI in environment strategies

Addressing SDHI in urban and regional planning

Addressing SDHI in neighbourhood renewal and housing policy

Social Inclusion strategies

Section two: Structures

Ministerial and Cabinet Groups

Offices and Committees located within or driven by health ministries

Offices and Committees located within or driven by non-health ministries

Consultation and collaboration in developing policy

Tools and methodologies

Section three: EU level

EU Health Strategy and Public Health Programmes

Tools and Mechanisms

Internal Market

Conclusion

Appendix 1: Work Package Partners

Appendix 2: Abbreviated questionnaire

Appendix 3: Other policies

For more information on DETERMINE see: www.health-inequalities.eu

 

 *      *     *

This message from the Pan American Health Organization, PAHO/WHO, is part of an effort to disseminate
information Related to: Equity; Health inequality; Socioeconomic inequality in health; Socioeconomic
health differentials; Gender; Violence; Poverty; Health Economics; Health Legislation; Ethnicity; Ethics;
Information Technology - Virtual libraries; Research & Science issues.  [DD/ KMS Area]

“Materials provided in this electronic list are provided "as is". Unless expressly stated otherwise, the findings
and interpretations included in the Materials are those of the authors and not necessarily of The Pan American
Health Organization PAHO/WHO or its country members”.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAHO/WHO Website

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/eqpaho

 

Equity List - Archives - Join/remove:  http://listserv.paho.org/Archives/equidad.html

    IMPORTANT: This transmission is for use by the intended recipient and it may contain privileged, proprietary or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering this transmission to the intended recipient, you may not disclose, copy or distribute this transmission or take any action in reliance on it. If you received this transmission in error, please notify us immediately by email to infosec@paho.org, and please dispose of and delete this transmission. Thank you.