Exploring Health Inequity and Recommendations in Italy: IHESRi Report 2021
Italy takes significant steps to address health inequity
A new report from the Italian Health Equity Status Report Initiative (IHESRi) titled “Healthy, prosperous lives for all in Italy” sheds light on the barriers preventing people from achieving good health and offers vital recommendations for reducing health disparities. The report underscores the commitment of WHO/Europe and the Italian Ministry of Health to enhance health and health equity in the nation, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Key recommendations outlined in the report include bolstering the sustainability and resilience of the health-care system, reducing poverty, and establishing more robust and stable economies at both regional and national levels. The Italian Health Equity Dataset platform, launched by WHO/Europe, enables users to delve into the data underpinning the report, identify groups struggling with inadequate health, and pinpoint policy and service gaps crucial for achieving health equity at all stages of life.
Chris Brown, Head of the WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development in Venice, emphasized the potential impact of implementing these recommendations, stating that Italy could see a 4.2% increase in its national gross domestic product and enhance the lives of 150,000 individuals within four years.
The Italian government has already taken significant strides towards reducing health inequities, such as incorporating an equity approach into the National Prevention Plan 2020–2025 and prioritizing health investments and reforms in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The establishment of a unit on health inequities by the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) in 2019 further demonstrates the country’s dedication to addressing health disparities.
Dr. Angela Meggiolaro, from the Directorate General for Health Prevention at the Italian Ministry of Health, stressed the importance of investing in future generations, ensuring equal opportunities for women and men, and strengthening healthcare services to promote better health outcomes.
The report’s analyses highlight disparities over the past decade, revealing improvements in some areas of health and well-being but persistent gaps in noncommunicable diseases, particularly affecting women. Inadequate income security, social protection, and poverty are identified as key drivers of health inequity in Italy, with a significant portion of the population struggling with these challenges.
Moving forward, Dr. Sara Darias-Curvo, a Public Health Professor and Consultant at the WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development, underscored the need for evidence-based policies to address health equity issues effectively and ensure their relevance to Italy.
IHESRi’s collaborative approach with various stakeholders from Italian institutions and regions, such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Veneto, has yielded promising results in promoting local processes for health equity and implementing practical interventions to reduce disparities.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, regions like Lombardy and Veneto have implemented strategies to improve people’s lives and health, emphasizing the importance of investing in health-promoting initiatives and supporting vulnerable populations.
With a comprehensive approach and concerted efforts from all sectors, Italy is poised to make significant strides in addressing health inequities and improving the well-being of all its citizens.