Health inequalities: Policy
Republic of Ireland
A ten-year National Anti-Poverty Strategy was developed in Ireland in 1997. IPH worked with the Department of Health and Children to propose targets and mechanisms to reduce health inequalities, as detailed in the Report of the Working Group on the National Anti-Poverty Strategy and Health. These targets were adopted in the national health policy Quality and Fairness: A Health System for You. In 2005, we contributed to a review of Ireland's health inequality targets.
The Department of Health and Children has developed a number of policies with an important health inequality dimension including
- Traveller Health – A National Strategy
- A strategy for Cancer Control in Ireland
- National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 -2019
- Breastfeeding in Ireland – A 5 year strategic action plan
- Report of the National Taskforce on Obesity
- National Men’s Health Policy 2008-2013
- A Vision for Change
- Primary Care – A New Direction
- Health information – a national strategy
The Health Service Executive manages the delivery of health and personal social services. IPH is working with the HSE to support the implementation of the HSE Health Inequalities Framework. This Framework is linked with the HSE Population Health Strategy and Chronic Illness Framework.
Northern Ireland
Lifetime Opportunities is the government's anti-poverty and social inclusion strategy for Northern Ireland and includes goals to:
- combat health inequalities and help people break out of cycles of deprivation at different stages of the lifecycle from early years to retirement
- eliminate poverty and social exclusion
- tackle area-based deprivation and rural poverty
- tackle inequality in the labour market.
Targets and mechanisms to reduce health inequalities are set out in the policy documents Investing for Health and A Healthier Future. IPH is currently working to support the review of Investing for Health.
The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has developed a range of policies with an important health inequality dimension including
- Service framework for cardiovascular disease and wellbeing
- Fit Futures: Focus on food activity and young people
- Oral Health Strategy for Northern Ireland
- New strategic direction for alcohol and drugs 2006 – 2011
- Obesity Prevention Framework - A Fitter Future for All 2011-2021
- The Service Framework for Mental Health and Wellbeing
In 2009, the Public Health Agency was formed and the agency is committed to reducing inequalities in health and social wellbeing through targeted and effective action.
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