Poverty, social exclusion and health systems in the WHO European Region

Poverty and social exclusion are driving forces behind the health inequities experienced by millions of people across the WHO European Region. This briefing explores the relationship between poverty, social exclusion and health and what health systems can do to respond.

It is divided into three sections. The first provides background on inequality, poverty and social exclusion in relation to health inequities and discusses the impact of the financial crisis and economic downturn in the Region. The second describes what health systems can do to meet the needs of populations experiencing poverty and social exclusion. The third presents a non-exhaustive list of actions for health system stakeholders to carry out.