Bridging the Health Inequality Gap: A Global Imperative

In an era of technological advancement and innovation, according to WHO, in 2021, more than half of the world's population—over 4.5 billion people—lacked access to essential health services. Although health is recognised as a fundamental human right in over 140 countries, health and socio-economic inequalities undermine the very fabric of fair societies.?

The European Commission's commitment?

The European Commission, understanding the gravity of this issue, has placed health inequalities at the forefront of its political agenda. It is a commitment not just to the citizens of Europe but to the global population.?

Leveraging Research & Innovation for change?

Through research and innovation (R&I) funding programmes, the EU has launched several initiatives to help health systems to adapt to the rapidly changing global landscape. These efforts have focused on:?

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• Adapting to changing demographics and climate change.?
• Advancing biomedical research, health technologies, innovation and personalised medicine.?
• Tackling diseases and reducing disease burden, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, rare diseases and mental health.?
• Utilising large data sets to benefit health policy and practice.?
• Recognising that people’s health is closely connected to animal health and our shared environment.?

Gender inequality?

In the health and care sectors, gender inequalities persist disproportionately affecting women, the LGBTIQ community, and vulnerable groups. These inequalities range from gender biases impacting priorities, funding, and clinical design to disparities in accessing healthcare services and information. The European Commission actively promotes gender equality in research and innovation., It funds projects and initiatives aimed at improving women’s health. It also advocates gender-sensitive healthcare policies across Europe. It promotes a variety of actions to address systemic barriers and improve access to healthcare.?

The power of collaboration?

Through strategic collaboration and public-private partnerships, innovative solutions have helped to bridge the health inequality gap, in terms of access, availability, and affordability of quality health care.?

The EU and the Member States co-fund and harmonise R&I activities in partnership such as transforming health and care systems, personalised medicine and rare diseases. New partnerships on brain health, antimicrobial resistance, and pandemic preparedness are planned. All these partnerships are expected to be the main drivers to improve access to better healthcare for all.?

The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP ) with Africa has made great scientific progress on key poverty-related infectious diseases, such as HIV, Malaria, TB, Ebola and other neglected diseases. For example, the world’s first malaria vaccines have been developed with EDCTP support. This partnership will continue to make a real difference for the people of Africa and the world.?

The Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) is a public-private partnership between the EU and the European life science industries. Its number one goal is to translate health R&I into real benefits for patients and societies through cross-sectoral cooperation. This unique initiative strives to tackle every aspect of care to improve patients’ lives across Europe and beyond. By considering the heterogeneity of European healthcare systems in its research programmes, IHI generates evidence that also addresses population inequalities and that is applicable across the diversity of European realities.?

The EU Missions?

A new initiative, the EU Missions has been introduced in Horizon Europe with new forms of governance and collaboration, as well as engaging and involving citizens. The Cancer Mission by 2030 aims to transform the lives of more than 3 million people. It will improve the understanding of cancer, foster prevention, optimise treatment, and ensure a better quality of life for cancer patients and their families.?

The path forward?

As we mark World Health Day, it is a moment to reflect on our collective responsibility to ensure equitable healthcare for all. It is a reminder that access to health services is not just a policy issue but a fundamental human right that benefits many aspects of our lives.?

The journey towards equitable global health is long and fraught with challenges. Yet, it is a journey that we need to embark on, together. Citizens, researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, providers and innovators let's leverage our collective expertise, resources, and humanity to bridge the health inequality gap!?

For more on how the EU supports health R&I visit: europa.eu/!pgtjCc ?

Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas in the comments section on how we can collectively work towards a healthier, more equitable world.?