The WHO Regional Office for Europe has released a report titled “Transforming the Health and Social Equity Landscape: Promoting Just and Inclusive Growth as a Means to Enhance Resilience, Solidarity, and Peace.” This report, developed with contributions from stakeholders like the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), explores the intricate connections between health, the economy, and social capital. It examines how Member States can foster social cohesion and invest in people’s health to enhance resilience and promote an equitable recovery.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the intricate interplay between health, the economy, and the social fabric of communities. Its repercussions have been widespread, with disproportionately adverse effects on the health of individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Existing vulnerabilities have been exacerbated, magnifying the enduring consequences of prior crises and leading to widening disparities in health, economic well-being, and social welfare.
For example, the report highlights that since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, health inequities and disparities in healthcare access have significantly expanded, disproportionately affecting those with lower incomes. In the WHO European region, individuals with lower incomes are three times more likely to report low well-being compared to their higher-income counterparts. This gap has increased by 50% since the pandemic began. Additionally, health services are facing increasing pressure, while unmet healthcare needs, particularly among the most disadvantaged individuals, are on the rise. People with lower incomes are 70% more likely to have unmet healthcare needs compared to those with higher incomes.
The report underscores the urgent need to address these challenges, advocating for a comprehensive approach that combines health, economic policies, and social investments to build resilience, solidarity, and peace. It serves as a vital resource for Member States seeking to create just and inclusive growth and address the intricate web of factors impacting health, well-being, and equity.
