Well, glad to know that even the country that we consider to be one of
the healthiest and with the best ehalth care system is acknowleging the
pervasive systematic inequality that the people experiences.
Don't know if I will ever read the entire 100 page report; it sounds
and looks good. I would like to know how they intend to actually do to
implement or transform their system of inequality.
>>> Dennis Raphael <[log in to unmask]> 06/15/07
3:43 AM >>>
Sent by:"The Health Equity Network (HEN)"
National strategy to reduce social inequalities in health
Report No. 20 (2006*2007) to the Storting
Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services - May 2007
Available online as PDF file [100p.] at:
http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_determinants/socio_economics/documents/norway_rd01_en.pdf
***.The Norwegian population enjoys good health. However, averages
conceal
major, systematic inequalities. Health is unevenly distributed among
social groups in the population. We have to acknowledge that we live
in a
stratified society, where the most privileged people, in economic
terms,
have the best health. These inequalities in health are socially
determined, unfair and modifiable.
The government has therefore decided to initiate a broad, long-term
strategy to reduce social inequalities in health. Many factors play a
part
in creating and perpetuating social inequalities in health. The
situation
is complex, but we can nevertheless state that it is generally social
circumstances that affect health and not the other way round. Although
in
many cases serious health problems lead to loss of income and work
and
difficulties completing education, social status still has a bigger
impact
on health than health does on social status. An overview of current
knowledge compiled under commission from the EU concludes that social
inequalities in health in all countries in Europe, including Norway,
are
primarily due to inequalities in material, psychosocial and
behaviour-related risk factors.
Social inequalities in health are an expression of systematic
injustices,
and this is happening in a society that upholds the principle that
everyone should have equal opportunity to achieve good health.
The Government believes that public health work needs to be based on
society assuming greater responsibility for the population*s health.
Each
individual is responsible for their own health, and it is important
to
respect the right of the individual to have authority and influence
over
their own life. However, the individual*s sphere of action is
limited by
factors outside the individual*s control.
Even lifestyle choices such as smoking, physical activity and diet
are
greatly influenced by socioeconomic background factors not chosen by
the
individual.
As long as systematic inequalities in health are due to inequalities
in
the way society distributes resources, then it is the community*s
responsibility to take steps to make the distribution fairer.
A fair distribution of resources is good public health policy. The
primary
goal of future public health work is not to further improve the health
of
the people that already enjoy good health. The challenge now is to
bring
the rest of the population up to the same level as the people who have
the
best health * levelling up*.*
Content:
1 Introduction
1.1 A fair distribution is good public health policy
1.2 Comprehensive policy to reduce social inequalities
1.3 Objective: To reduce social inequalities in Health
1.4 Four priority areas for reducing social inequalities in health
1.4.1 Reduce social inequalities that contribute to inequalities in
health
1.4.2 Reduce social inequalities in health behaviour and use of the
health
services
1.4.3 Targeted initiatives to promote social inclusion
1.4.4 Develop knowledge and cross-sectoral tools
2 Facts about social inequalities in health in Norway
2.1 Systematic inequalities in health
2.1.1 Substantial and growing social differences in mortality among
adults
2.1.2 Most of the main causes of death are unevenly distributed in
society
2.1.3 Significant social inequalities in mental health
2.1.4 Inequalities in health through the life course
2.2 Social structures affect health
2.2.1 Income
2.2.2 Childhood conditions
2.2.3 Work and working environment
2.3 Systematic inequalities in health behaviour and access to
healthservices
2.3.1 Health behaviour
2.3.2 Health services
2.4 Groups with special health challenges
2.4.1 Groups with long-term social problems
2.4.2 Children and young people at risk
2.4.3 Immigrants
2.4.4 Areas with Sami and Norwegian settlements
2.4.5 People living alone
3. Reduce social inequalities that contribute to inequalities in
health
Income Objective: Reduce economic inequalities
Policy instruments
Taxation system.
Monitor developments in income inequalities
Childhood conditions Objective: Safe childhood conditions and equal
development opportunities
Policy instruments
Kindergarten and school.
Maternal and child health centres and the school health service
Mental health services for children and young people
Child welfare service
Participation in organisations and cultural activities
Work and working environment Objective: Inclusive working life and
healthy working environments
Policy instruments
Working environment legislation
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority
Company health services
Higher employment among immigrants
Action Plan against Social Dumping
National system for monitoring work and health
Increase research on sickness absence and exclusion from working
life
Sickness absence and exclusion in high-risk industries ( continue*)
* * * *
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/ IKM 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*.
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