No progress made on social and health inequalities in 10 years

Data recently published in the EuroHealthNet-CHAIN report has mapped, from 2014-2024, trends in health, mental health and inequalities in Europe, with the data showing that no progress has been made over the last decade.

As outlined in the report, healthcare itself explains only 10% of the differences in health, with our level of physical activity, alcohol use or smoking playing a part, but many factors influencing our health lying outside the system itself.

Put simply, health inequalities are differences in people’s health linked to social disadvantage, caused by obstacles such as poverty, discrimination, lack of power, and unequal access to the resources that help people stay healthy. As expected, these include fair jobs, safe environments, quality education, housing, healthcare, and social support - the social determinants of health.

In the last decade, Europe has not bridged the gap between those living healthily and those not given the opportunity to. Living longer and living healthier are intrinsically linked to those who have, and those who don’t.

Some key takeaways from the report include:

• One in three people reported their health as less than good.
• People with low education are twice as likely to report poor health as those with high education
• Health outcomes are becoming more similar across European countries, but this is a result of countries 'meeting in the middle' rather than all countries improving.
• In those countries where inequalities have declined, this seems to reflect worsening health or mental health in higher social groups.
• Commercial products and practices cause nearly one out of four deaths (24.5%) in Europe

Work is making many of us sick … Political prioritisation has shown that the health of some is more important than that of others. Action is desperately needed to break the current stagnation, and improve the physical and mental health of Europeans”

Reacting to the publication of the report, Eurocadres President Nayla Glaise stated: “Today’s report confirms what many trade unionists have known for a long time – work is making many of us sick.

I am thankful for EuroHealthNet and the Centre for Health Equity Analytics for their excellent work, and for emphasising the problems, and solutions available to us.

Political prioritisation has shown that the health of some is more important than that of others. Action is desperately needed to break the current stagnation, and improve the physical and mental health of Europeans.

We will continue on the Commission to abandon a deregulation agenda which will only exacerbate these inequalities, and to focus on the good of European citizens”.

The report points to actions which can alleviate the plight of millions of Europeans, addressing the root causes of social inequalities in health by;

• Guaranteeing adequate minimum income and wages
• Improving working conditions and job control
• Regulating commercial determinants of health
• Addressing emerging drivers of chronic diseases, such as housing problems
• Prioritising healthy food availability
• Reorienting health systems toward prevention and equity
• Investing in mental health promotion and prevention

Conversely, four headings for action are provided for strengthening the focus on and governance of social inequalities in health, namely; Integrating social inequalities in health across policies, making social inequalities in health a priority for the health sector, investing in data collection and evidence and strengthening tools to deliver health equity.

The report can be read, in full, here.