Plenary 3: Tackling health inequalities in times of crisis

Thursday 14 November, 10:30 – 11:30 Lisbon time (UTC)

Organised by EuroHealthNet

Background

Across Europe, people are grappling with a multitude of challenges, spanning from the cost of living to housing, food insecurity, climate change, conflicts, and social unrest. These adversities significantly impact individuals' health and wellbeing, and create the conditions for persisting health inequalities.

At the root of these crises are unjust economic systems, in which the privileged few benefit while the majority face difficulties on a daily basis. Societies across Europe are witnessing rising polarisation and discrimination. Competitiveness and security are emerging as key priorities in the new European political landscape, with health and wellbeing pushed to the sidelines.

Tackling health inequalities in times of crisis requires urgent, targeted action across societal sectors and levels. Education emerges as a crucial equaliser, alongside income and social safety nets. Moreover, effective climate strategies must prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable population groups.

This plenary session lays the groundwork for understanding our contemporary, rapidly evolving landscape and its implications for addressing health inequalities. What lessons can we draw from new approaches across sectors that meet social and health needs, and how can we navigate these challenges – and sail those waves of innovation – to ensure equitable health and social justice for all?

Moderators:

Caroline Costongs, Director, EuroHealthNet
Cristina Abreu Santos, Vice-President Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) (tbc)

Keynote 1: Understanding and addressing health inequalities in times of crisis

Fran Baum, Professor of Health Equity at the Stretton Institute, University of Adelaide, Australia (by video message)

Keynote 2: The importance of addressing poverty and delivering on social rights for all: EU initiatives

Katarina Ivanković Knežević, Director for Social Rights and Inclusion, Directorate-General Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission

Reflections from panellists: Challenges and impact of addressing inequalities across the life course:

Educational perspective:

Didier Jourdan, UNESCO Chair and WHO Collaborating Centre 'Global Health and Education', University of Clermont-Auvergne, France

Environmental perspective:

Jill Litt, Professor of Environmental Health in the Environmental Studies Programme, University of Colorado, USA and Senior researcher, Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), Spain

Panel discussion: Innovative approaches to ensure equitable health and social justice for all

All four speakers are invited to join a panel discussion, focusing on charting innovative solutions and ways forward to reduce health inequalities