COUNCIL

 

Moving towards equity in health

The Spanish Ministry of Health and Social Policy established “Moving towards equity in health: monitoring social determinants of health and reduction of health inequalities” as one of the priorities for the Spanish presidency of the European Union in the first semester of 2010 (see HUMA newsletter of March 2010).

 

A draft report has been released by the Spanish presidency. On the basis of this draft report, draft conclusions have also been prepared by the Spanish presidency; one of these conclusions is that children and pregnant women should receive universal access to health care, irrespective of their residence status. This draft report and draft conclusions have been discussed during an informal meeting of health ministers on 22 April, and should be formally adopted during the EPSCO Council meeting of 8 June. The HUMA network suggested some additions to the report and released a briefing note on the issue.