What are health inequalities?
There are stark differences in quality of health and life expectancy in the UK. These avoidable health gaps are a social injustice.
Our work tackles the building blocks behind this inequality – often called the social determinants of health. We want to see health inequalities replaced by health equity – a fair chance for everyone to live a long, healthy life.
The consequences of health inequality
13 years
Males in the most deprived areas of Scotland live 13.2 years fewer than those in the least deprived (10.5 for females).
20 years
The difference in healthy life expectancy between the most and least deprived areas in England is 19.1 years (males) and 20.2 years for females.
17 years
Women in Wales born in the most disadvantaged areas live on average 17 fewer years in good health (13.4 for males).
The social determinants of health
The basic requirements that affect our life expectancy and make us healthy are economic, social and environmental.
These building blocks of health – often called the social determinants of health – are the reasons for the differences in quality of health and life expectancy in the UK. As well as where we are born and live, other factors, such as discrimination and racism, are also a critical part of the inequality picture. Find out more
Communities of interest
As well as where we are born and live, other factors, such as discrimination and racism, also have an impact on our health. Find out more about our work with communities who have shared identities or experiences and wish to come together to address issues that are important to them.
Partnerships and Campaigns
We work with partners across Great Britain to act on the causes of health inequalities through policy, research and campaigns.