Life expectancy and infant mortality gap narrows in EU
The wide variation in life expectancy and infant mortality historically found between EU member states is narrowing, according to a report published by the European Commission.
The gap between the longest and shortest life expectancy found in EU-27 decreased by 17% for men between 2007 and 2011 and 4% for women between 2006 and 2011. The gap in infant mortality between the EU countries with the highest and the lowest rates went down from 15.2 to 7.3 per 1,000 live births between 2001 and 2011. Average infant mortality in the EU also fell during this period, from 5.7 to 3.9 per 1,000 live births. The report also highlights positive developments in implementing the EU strategy on health inequalities, ‘Solidarity in Health’, while concluding that more action is needed at local, national and EU levels.
Commenting on the report, Tonio Borg, European Commissioner for Health, said: “Inequalities in health in terms of life expectancy and in particular in infant mortality have been significantly reduced in the EU over the past few years. This is encouraging. However, our commitment must be unwavering in order to address the continued gaps in health between social groups and between regions and member states, as shown in this report. Action to bridge health inequalities across Europe must remain a priority at all levels.”
Earlier this year, the Commission adopted a paper entitled ‘Investing in Health’, as part of the Social Investment package. The paper strengthens the link between EU health policies and national health system reforms.
The Commission says that achieving the goals of Europe 2020 for inclusive growth is fundamental to addressing health inequalities. The EU Health Programme, Cohesion and Structural Funds, as well as Horizon 2020 will support investment in health across the EU.
