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IPH action areas in health inequalities - social protection
How does social protection affect health inequalities?
"Having enough money to lead a healthy life is central to reducing health inequalities."
Sir Michael Marmot, 2010
Social policies dictate how easy or difficult it is to maintain a decent standard of living and therefore have important implications for health. For example, government policies aimed at reducing poverty, supporting people to secure employment and helping people to provide for their children have profound impacts on the distribution of health in the population. These policies are delivered through a variety of means including social protection (welfare benefits and allowances), taxation, the designation of minimum wage and the generosity and inclusiveness of allowances aimed at families, children, older people and people with disabilities.
Social protection and health inequalities: IPH portfolio
- Fuel poverty and health
- Food poverty and health
- IPH submissions to consultations on Child Poverty and Fuel Poverty
How can I learn more about social protection and health inequalities?
