How to address health inequalities in a fair or just manner?

Health inequalities are the unjust and avoidable differences in people's health across the population and between specific population groups. Health inequalities go against the principles of social justice because they are avoidable. They do not occur randomly or by chance, but are socially determined by circumstances largely beyond an individual's control. These circumstances disadvantage people and limit their chance to live longer, healthier lives.

Here are the factors that can decrease inequalities in wellbeing, healthy life expectancy, morbidity and mortality.

1. Undo fundamental causes in:

- global economic forces

- macro socio-political environment

- political priorities and decisions

- societal values to equity and fairness

- unequal distribution of income, power and wealth

- poverty, marginalisation and discrimination

2. Prevent wider environmental influences in:

- economic and work

- learning

- services