Context

In EU member countries as in the rest of the world, achieving health equity for children is considered crucial for the overall wellbeing of a society. But progress on health equity has stalled, with persistent or worsening inequities identified in many of the 53 countries that comprise the WHO European Region. The Health and Human Rights Framework (HHR) and the Social Determinants of Health (SDH) both aim to tackle elements of this issue, but neither can achieve health equity for children in the EU region alone.

The Idea

Create a new set of human rights indicators for health that include and incorporate social determinants of health, creating a fuller picture of health and bridging the gap between these two related but previously distinct areas of interest—then, create new policies that respond to both of these paradigms. 

About the Project

Social Determinants of Health can be a powerful way to understand the power inequities that so often result in health inequity. The World Health Organization identifies the following five conditions as drivers for health equity: income security; living conditions; social and human capital; good quality and accessible health services; and decent work and employment. But historically, these conditions have been kept separate from discussions on health as a human right.  By situating key social determinants of health in the health and human rights (HHR) framework, we can develop a new paradigm for health justice. In this new hybrid approach, tackling Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is elevated to a priority in the conversation about children’s health inequity globally. This more comprehensive picture of health and the barriers to health can also inform and catalyze new lawmaking and policymaking in child health equity within the EU region. 

About the Team

The team for this project is still being finalized—check back soon for more information about our experts and their relevant experience.