What is the situation regarding health equity in Switzerland? The National Strategy for the Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases (NCD-Strategy) and the National Strategy on Addiction and Mental Health had focus on this topic in 2018. A brochure and a background document raised from these activities.
In all stages of life there are risks that may have a negative impact on health. Scientific studies show that health resources are not distributed equally. “Being poor makes you sick” and “being sick makes you poor” briefly describe the often unfavourable interplay between social determinants of health on the one hand and health behaviour and state of health on the other. Besides the traditional social determinants – such as education, job and income – other factors, such as gender, marital status, migration background and psychosocial stress in an individual’s professional and personal life can also impact health.
The aim of the brochure "Health equity: Facts and figures for Switzerland" is to raise awareness and, together with the numerous stakeholders in the municipalities, cantons and at the federal level, to help reduce inequalities in the access to health promotion, prevention and treatment. This would offer much fairer chances for everyone to enjoy good health.
Last modification 27.05.2022
Contact
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Division Non-communicable Diseases
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
3003
Bern
Switzerland
Tel.
+41 58 463 88 24