Health Equity Policy Tool (2019)

To accelerate progress in reaching those being left behind because of poor health and in preventing others from falling behind, policy action is required that reaches not only the most vulnerable but also those disproportionally at risk of avoidable poor health. The Health Equity Policy Tool will act as an enabler to promote and monitor such policies in the Region through:

• creating equal opportunities for health across the life-course
• reducing unequal exposure to avoidable health risks
• mitigating the consequences of accumulated social, economic and health disadvantage.

The purpose of this document is to formally consult with Member States and partners of the WHO European Region on the Health Equity Policy Tool as a proposed instrument for monitoring progress and prioritizing multisectoral policy action for increasing health equity in the Region to be presented at the 69th session of the Regional Committee in September 2019.