[Source: The Lancet, full text: (LINK). Abstract, edited.]
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The Lancet, Early Online Publication, 8 September 2012
doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(12)61228-8
WHO European review of social determinants of health and the health divide
Original Text
Prof Sir Michael Marmot FRCP, Jessica Allen PhD, Ruth Bell PhD, Ellen Bloomer MSc, Peter Goldblatt PhD, on behalf of the Consortium for the European Review of Social Determinants of Health and the Health Divide
Summary
The European region has seen remarkable heath gains in those populations that have experienced progressive improvements in the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, and work. However, inequities, both between and within countries, persist. The review reported here, of inequities in health between and within countries across the 53 Member States of the WHO European region, was commissioned to support the development of the new health policy framework for Europe: Health 2020. Much more is understood now about the extent, and social causes, of these inequities, particularly since the publication in 2008 of the report of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health. The European review builds on the global evidence and recommends policies to ensure that progress can be made in reducing health inequities and the health divide across all countries, including those with low incomes. Action is needed?on the social determinants of health, across the life course, and in wider social and economic spheres?to achieve greater health equity and protect future generations.
-doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(12)61228-8
WHO European review of social determinants of health and the health divide
Original Text
Prof Sir Michael Marmot FRCP, Jessica Allen PhD, Ruth Bell PhD, Ellen Bloomer MSc, Peter Goldblatt PhD, on behalf of the Consortium for the European Review of Social Determinants of Health and the Health Divide
Summary
The European region has seen remarkable heath gains in those populations that have experienced progressive improvements in the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, and work. However, inequities, both between and within countries, persist. The review reported here, of inequities in health between and within countries across the 53 Member States of the WHO European region, was commissioned to support the development of the new health policy framework for Europe: Health 2020. Much more is understood now about the extent, and social causes, of these inequities, particularly since the publication in 2008 of the report of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health. The European review builds on the global evidence and recommends policies to ensure that progress can be made in reducing health inequities and the health divide across all countries, including those with low incomes. Action is needed?on the social determinants of health, across the life course, and in wider social and economic spheres?to achieve greater health equity and protect future generations.
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