WHO/Europe, through the Venice-based WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development, and in partnership with the WHO Collaborating Centre for Policy Research on Social Determinants of Health and the University of Central Asia in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, is conducting a rapid health equity stock-taking to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has shaped the health equity landscape across the WHO European Region.
The pandemic has laid bare the social fractures in our societies and it is no longer possible to ignore the fact that many people are struggling to live a decent and dignified life and are unable to meet essential needs for safe and secure shelter, food, fuel and income. The coexistence of material deprivation and discrimination by gender, race and religion have emerged in the risks of infection, excess loss of life, and growing poverty and poor health faced by ethnic minorities, women, informal workers, and the poor and vulnerable.
COVID-19 and health inequity
WHO/Europe’s publication, ‘Health inequity and the effects of COVID-19: assessing, responding to, and mitigating the socio-economic impact on health to build a better future’, sets out an agenda to address both pre-existing and new vulnerabilities and inequities by first identifying a range of key health-related socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19 and their containment measures and, secondly, proposing mitigation measures to reduce them.
Guided by this publication, a team of experts from the Venice Office is analysing how the pandemic revealed inequities in excess mortality, health and well-being, financial security, employment, and access to food and health care.
“There are 3 parts to our analysis,” explains Sophie Baird from the University of Liverpool, coordinator of this activity. “The first uses existing data to examine how the pandemic has impacted health inequities in Member States. The second looks at what lessons countries have learned from the measures and interventions implemented to protect people from these impacts. And the third reviews the potential impacts of the COVID-19 recovery plans of international organizations.”
Tackling health inequities
An impact assessment of effective recovery plans is already underway. 3 consultation workshops have been held to discuss emerging findings with countries, the public health community, and organizations involved with employment, income security, equal opportunities, economic development, and social cohesion. The work is due to be completed by the end of 2022.
A primary goal of the WHO European Programme of Work 2020–2025 “United Action for Better Health in Europe” is to promote policies and investment in systems to achieve health for all. Through this review, WHO/Europe aims to support countries in tackling health inequities through their recovery and transition from COVID-19, ensuring we leave no one behind.