Disparities in income, education or cultural customs lead to major health inequalities among populations. Within the format of the TRAVERSE, we will take the advantage of welcoming Sir Michael Marmot – a renowned leading and inspiring figure in addressing social and economic determinants of health and health inequities – to discuss on how to unpack and address such drivers of inequities.
Inequality is widely recognised as a major obstacle to development. In low- and middle-income countries, inequalities are leaving millions of people without access to services and resources for their health. Gender, ethnicity, age and disability, combined with a lack of sustainable social and financial protection, are among the main reasons for exclusion and inequitable access to health.
«People living in the most deprived neighbourhoods will on average die seven years earlier than people living in the richest neighbourhoods. Even more disturbing, people living in poorer areas not only die sooner, but spend more of their lives with disability – an average total difference of 17 years.» – Sir Michael Marmot