Minister Guzenina-Richardson in WHO World Conference: The welfare state is the best medicine against growing health inequalities.
Health inequalities between population groups in Finland have widened in recent years. The prevalence of health problems is higher among those with the lowest education and the poorest socio-economic status.
"Finland's rise to one of the leading welfare states in the world was not a coincidence, but the result of persistent work. Now we need that same persistence to update the welfare state. The current health inequalities in Finland are a challenge, but we should not be afraid of challenges", said Maria Guzenina-Richardson, Minister of Health and Social Services.
Minister Guzenina-Richardson led the Finnish delegation to the WHO World Conference on Social Determinants of Health which was held in Rio de Janeiro.
"Poverty and inequality in both society and health go hand in hand in today's Finland. Sustainable society indicators should take into account also the health inequalities between population groups. The Finnish Government's cross-sectoral action plan to reduce inequalities both in society and health has been praised also here in the World Conference", said Guzenina-Richardson.
Read whole press release in english here
Further information:
Taru Koivisto, Director, tel. +358 9 160 73166, +358 50 3278352
Eeva Ollila, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 9 160 74032, +358 50 302 1291
Martta October, Special Adviser, tel. +358 9 160 74157
Modified 24.10.2011 Hurme Tuure