O.1. Skills building seminar: Beyond mentioning inequities: How to operationalize equity in health strategies and plans
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a major health burden across Europe with well-documented inequities in disease burden, behavioural risk factors, and in health care for NCDs. National strategies and plans shape policy at national level and are key tools for prioritising and systematically addressing such inequities. As part of the Joint Action Prevent Non-Communicable Diseases (JA PreventNCD), we mapped the existence and content of national policy documents on NCDs and their behavioural risk factors in 17 countries, covering nine types of policy documents, focusing on whether and how inequities are addressed. Our findings show that where such documents exist, inequities are usually mentioned but less often translated into concrete objectives, actions, monitoring, and multisectoral implementation. Numerous frameworks exist to assess the impacts of a policy, programme or initiative on populations facing inequities and vulnerabilities (for example, HEAT from the UK, HEAI from Canada, and tools to identify the causes of inequities in specific areas, such as obesity). However, these largely focus on specific programmes and interventions, with little guidance available on how to systematically mainstream health inequities across broader health strategies. This workshop is designed to progress this. Design This hands-on workshop builds on insights from the analysis of national policy documents and translates the insights into simple, practical steps that participants learn to apply to strengthen the focus on equity in national strategies and plans. It is relevant for both those developing such documents and those seeking to influence them, including civil society and researchers. Implementation 10 min: Introductory presentation (see more in presentation abstract)35 min: Group work on cases on developing national NCD and risk factor strategy documents, including a case on a cardiovascular disease strategy in light of the Safe Hearts Plan of the EU. Participants will identify concrete ways to strengthen equity in policy documents by: • defining population groups experiencing inequities • covering inequities in both risk factors and treatment and care • setting objectives to reduce inequities • identifying interventions, incl. those involving other sectors • monitoring inequities We will also touch upon engaging representatives of groups which experience inequalities, though it has not been part of the underlying work for this workshop.10 min: Reflections in plenum5 min: Concluding remarks, digital feedback form to gather input on how to refine the guidance for end users. Lessons learned Participants will gain a better understanding of how move beyond acknowledging inequities towards addressing them more systematically in national strategies and plans on health. Rather than offering a rigid template, the workshop provides simple, adaptable steps suited to different national contexts along with examples of comprehensive frameworks. Key messages • National NCD and risk factor strategies in Europe often mention health inequities but rarely translate them into action, leaving significant untapped potential for impact. • From insights to action: this workshop identifies practical entry points to embed equity in national health strategies and plans.
Author: Kadri Tammur
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,181
Funder: Helsedirektoratet
OpenAlex ID: W7223649051