High levels of relative child poverty have a massive impact on health across Europe, according to a major report published yesterday.
Meanwhile unemployment – and especially youth unemployment – is a "public health time bomb," according to one expert.
The report, from the World Health Organisation European region, says child poverty levels failed to improve in eastern Europe in spite of up to 15 years of economic growth before the economic crisis.
In these countries, governments spent less than 1% of their national income of family benefits.
In the west of the continent, governments spend more on family benefits – but rates of child poverty range from 10% to 33%, WHO says.
Regional director Zsuzsanna Jakab said: "For the first time we have an unprecedented evidence-based set of practical policy recommendations about what all countries can do to address the so-called ‘upstream’ causes of health inequities, specifically targeted to their income level.
"This review crystallises vital new knowledge for governments so that they can cut health inequalities and put people at the centre of health systems – the goals of Health 2020, the European health policy framework."
The study was coordinated by University College, London, UK.
At the launch, Professor Sir Michael Marmot, who chaired the review, said: "Unemployment, particularly the persistent high levels of youth unemployment, is a public health time bomb waiting to explode.
"I would say to any government that cares about the health of its population: look at the impact of their policies on the lives people are able to lead and, more importantly, at the impact on inequality."
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