Injustice is killing people on a large scale--but what is to be done about it?

Abstract

In keeping with earlier reports, the Marmot review of the English health inequalities strategy argues that social injustice is killing people on a large scale: up to 2.6 million extra years of life could be gained across all social groups if health inequalities were significantly reduced.¹ Despite the considerable effort and resources that have gone into research and action over recent decades, the health gradient has remained largely unchanged and in some instances has worsened.² Tellingly, inequalities in income, wealth and life chances have also widened.³ It is therefore imperative that public health redoubles its efforts to reduce health inequalities. But if these are to be more effective in future we need a more sophisticated understanding of the barriers to progress as well as a renewed commitment to addressing them.