2.B. Round table: Roundtable on the World report on social determinants of health equity

Abstract It has been nearly 20 years since the World Health Organization released its first report on the Social Determinants of Health. Despite the global consensus that these social determinants must be addressed, progress since 2008 has been insufficient. The release of the World Report on Social Determinants of Health Equity builds upon the 2008 report, with an update on the current state of social determinants of health equity and key recommendations. The World report has 4 action areas with 14 corresponding recommendations, including actions such as reducing economic inequality, tackling structural discrimination, climate action and digital transformation, equipping local government and supporting communities, universal health coverage, building health and care workforces, strengthening focus on social determinants in health systems and policy, and monitoring social determinants of health equity. This workshop will be a roundtable with several panelists bringing together key people from the WHO and in Europe to discuss and highlight the key findings on health equity and what this implies to the public health community, knowledge and skills building, and scope for implementation of the recommendations. In a world where, despite some improvements between countries, social inequalities within many countries are growing. It is thus vital that the report and its recommendations are widely shared and discussed to provide ground for action and cooperation towards health equity. The workshop will begin with a presentation from Sudhvir Singh of the Equity and Health Unit at the WHO, describing the World Report and detailing the key recommendations and action plan. Following this, the panel will highlight key questions for their consideration before the panel is opened to the conference audience. This workshop covers many of the conference topics. It will be a key session in bringing together people from across sectors and areas, stimulating conversation and promoting intersectoral collaboration to achieve equity. This report comes at a pivotal time in the world, as inequities have tended to grow within countries, and at the current rate, achieving the goal of halving life expectancy between social groups within countries is unlikely. As we look towards the future, it is more important than ever that countries, governments, communities and individuals are partaking in active discussion and working towards achieving an equitable world. Key messages • Progress towards health equity is insufficient, including in Europe. It is key that European governments and organizations support action on the social determinants of health equity. • The World reports’ emphasis on economic inequality, climate action and the digital transformation is in line with a move towards an economy that works for people. Speakers/Panellists Alison Mc Callum University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK Jessica Allen UCL Institute of Health Equity, London, UK