The cost-of-living crisis and its implications for public health was the subject of a webinar co-organized by the WHO European Regions for Health Network (RHN) and Public Health Wales on 21 September 2022. The session called for the identification of early mitigation measures and solutions to protect and promote the health of vulnerable populations.
The cost-of-living crisis refers to the fall in real disposable income (that is, income adjusted for inflation and after taxes and benefits) that people have been experiencing since late 2021. This is being caused predominantly by high inflation outstripping wage and benefit increases, and has been further exacerbated by recent tax increases in the context of multiple shockwaves – including the COVID-19 pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, disruption to global supply chains, and the food and energy crises.
Threats to population health
Evidence shows that economic shocks and austerity pose threats to population health and health systems, increasing people’s need for health care and making access to goods and services more difficult. They risk exacerbating poverty, vulnerability and marginalization, as well as socioeconomic and health inequalities, all of which have implications for mental health.
The financial and economic crisis that began in 2008 has had a visible, though varied, impact on population health and health systems across Europe, prompting a wide range of responses from governments facing increased financial and other pressures.
It is imperative that countries, regions and cities focus on early mitigation measures and solutions to protect, improve and promote the health of their populations and communities while safeguarding the most disadvantaged and vulnerable. They must enhance health and social systems and environmental sustainability, placing people and their well-being foremost.
WHO/Europe and the WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development, located in Venice, Italy, are progressing this agenda through strategies, initiatives and innovative approaches, including the Universal Wellbeing Economy initiative and the New Economics Expert Group.
The RHN, in synergy with other WHO networks and European offices, is instrumental in informing and supporting decision-makers and budget-holders at national and subnational levels to implement and advance policies, investments, services and interventions that promote population well-being while reducing – or preventing the increase of – the health equity gap, leaving no one behind.