Reducing global health inequalities. Part 2: Myriad challenges

Abstract

We describe the wide range of government sectors and national capabilities that would have roles in the development of collaborative strategies for the successful reduction of national health inequalities. We review the constraints that would need to be overcome in developing such a collaborative instrument. We advocate the establishment of such a group in any country committed to this objective and that it might be termed and function as a ‘National Council for the Reduction of Health Inequalities’. We also indicate that much of the proposed action in reducing health inequalities internationally is likely to be against poverty which is so commonly associated with them and is therefore likely to be focused on Africa, the home of many of the world's poorest countries. Examples of Africa-related issues which commonly fall off national or international health agendas – uncontrolled population growth, agriculture and livestock development, arrangement for international health cooperation – have been discussed. Prospects are also presented for international cooperation in health to become a subject for discussion and promotion at the highest level of international diplomacy.