National strategy to reduce social inequalities in health

– Social inequalities in health are a public health concern and an expression of unacceptable systematic injustices, says Sylvia Brustad, Norwegian Minister of Health and Social Affairs. The Ministry of Health and Care Services has in Report No. 20 (2006–2007) to the Storting recommendations of a National strategy to reduce social inequalities in health.
The Norwegian population enjoys good health. However, averages conceal major, systematic inequalities.
– 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.
– A fair distribution is good public health policy, says Sylvia Brustad. The Norwegian policy will continue to build on the Nordic tradition of general welfare schemes and at the same time implement special measures to help the people with the most problems.
In keeping with the identified need for a broad approach, the strategy operates with four priority areas for the next ten years:
1) Reduce social inequalities that contribute to inequalities in health
2) Reduce social inequalities in health-related behaviour and use of the health services
3) Targeted initiatives to promote social inclusion
4) Develop knowledge and cross-sectoral tools
Report No. 20 (2006–2007) will be discussed in the Storting this spring. The report is now available at the Norwegian Goverment's web-site.