The Sir John Monash Lecture
Lecture Title: Social Justice and Health Equity
Taking action to reduce health inequalities is a matter of social justice. In developing strategies for tackling health inequalities we need to confront the social gradient in health, not just the difference between the worst off and everybody else.
There is clear evidence when we look across countries that national policies make a difference and that much can be done in cities, towns and local areas. But policies and interventions must not be confined to the health care system; they need to address the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age.
The evidence shows that economic circumstances are important but are not the only drivers of health inequalities. Tackling the health gap will take action, based on sound evidence, across the whole of society.Reducing health inequalities is a matter of social justice
Clear evidence shows national policies significantly impact outcomes
Policies and interventions must not be confined to the health care system
Closing the health gap requires society-wide action based on sound evidence
About the Speaker
Sir Michael Marmot has been Professor of Epidemiology at University College London since 1985 and is Director of the UCL Institute of Health Equity. He is the author of The Health Gap: The Challenge of an Unequal World and Status Syndrome: How Your Social Standing Directly Affects Your Health and Life Expectancy.
Marmot has led research groups on health inequalities for nearly 50 years. He chaired the WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health, as well as WHO Regional Commissions, and reviews on tackling health inequality for UK governments. He is former President of both the British Medical Association (2010-2011) and the World Medical Association (2015), and a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
In recognition of his contributions to epidemiology and the understanding of health inequalities, he was knighted by Her Majesty The Queen in 2000 and appointed a Companion of Honour for services to public health in the 2023 New Year Honours. He has received 20 honorary doctorates.
For enquiries, please email parveen.sidhu@monash.edu or gurmeet.kaur@monash.edu.
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