Equal Health – Prerequisites at National Level

Promoting health equity in the Nordic countries

The project was implemented within the framework of the Nordic Arena for Public Health Issues, and was divided into four subprojects.

Among other things, the first subproject conducted a comparative study on how the Nordic countries are working to promote health equity at the national level. The research group studied the balance between universal goals that concern the entire population and objectives that target specific groups.

Policies to address the social determinants of health in the Nordic countries

Cross-sectoral work at the ministerial level

The aim of subproject number two was to conduct an in-depth study of the preconditions for cross-sectoral work at the ministerial level. Through interviews, the project identified factors that promote or hinder for cross-sectoral cooperation.

Cross-sectoral cooperation at the ministerial level – with a focus on health inequalities

Nordic indicators

The third subproject identified common Nordic indicators for measuring and monitoring health disparities. The aim was to create a basis for jointly monitoring Nordic developments in health equity and to facilitate the exchange of experiences between the Nordic countries.

Indicators for health inequality in the Nordic countries

Policy briefs on health equity

The fourth subproject produced policy briefs on health equity. The policy briefs highlights supporting school completion, employment of individuals with severe mental health problems and increasing tobacco taxes.

Policy briefs to increase equality in health

The project Equal Health – Prerequisites at National Level is based on conclusions from the study Tackling Health Inequalities Locally – the Scandinavian Experience, which was carried out in 2015. The study includes eleven recommendations for efforts to promote health equity.