There are profound and systemic differences in how healthy people are and how long they live in all rich countries The fundamental roots of these striking health disparities lie in the pervasive impact of social and economic inequality – the effects of inadequate housing, poverty, employment barriers, social exclusion and other broader social determinants of health. Another key factor is inequitable access to health care.
Many countries have developed comprehensive policies and programs to tackle health inequity, and community-based providers across Canada and around the world are working hard to address health disparities on the ground. This page sets out the kinds of policy changes needed to address health disparities and links to innovative policy, research and other resources on health equity from many jurisdictions.
- Not Lost in Translation: Interpretation and other drivers for health equity
Bob Gardner spoke to the Healthcare Interpretation Network on November 23, 2009 and argued that interpretation was one essential enabler of equitable access to high-quality health care and support. His talk set this in the context of other enablers and drivers of a comprehensive health equity strategy. [...]
- HIA Into Policy Development
The following resources are particularly useful for planning how results of assessments can be integrated into policy development. [...]
- Senate Subcommittee Releases Report on Population Health
The Senate Subcommittee on Population Health has been analyzing the social determinants of health and the foundations of health inequalities for several years. Its final report A Healthy Productive Canada: a Determinant of Health Approach has just been released. [...]
- Blueprint for Action on the Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity
Presentation to the Portuguese-Canadian National Congress on the Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity. [...]
- Thinking Globally, Acting Locally about Health Reform
As Bob Gardner explains in his recent article, Thinking Globally, Acting Locally about Health Reform (in a special edition of Making Waves), it is by understanding and focussing on health disparities on a regional basis, in particular within the structures of Regional Health Authorities, that on-the-ground strategies to reduce health disparities can be developed and [...]
- Blueprint for Health Equity
Presentation to the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions Conference by Bob Gardner, Director of Public Policy. August 2007. [...]
- Policy Frameworks to Enhance Health Equity
Presentation by Bob Gardner, Director of Public Policy at the International Union for Health Promotion and Education in Vancouver. June 2007. [...]
- Health Equity into Policy Action
Presentation by Bob Gardner, Director Public Policy, to Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (Feb. 2007) [...]
