Why social equality matters for health.
Internationally renowned Professor Sir Michael G. Marmot delivered Law Centre NI’s annual Social Justice Lecture on Monday 27 November at Belfast City Hall.
Professor Marmot is the leading global figure on the social determinants of health – the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age – and how they lead to health inequalities. He has advised many governments and the World Health Organisation on the impact of social inequality on poor health outcomes.
During his lecture on “Social Justice and Health Equity”, Professor Marmot argued that much can be done in cities, towns, and local areas to tackle the health gap.
Colum Boyle, Permanent Secretary in the Department for Communities, delivered the opening remarks at the lecture.
Professor Marmot’s ambition is nothing less than a fairer, healthier society for all
Welcoming Professor Marmot to Belfast, Ursula O’Hare, Director of Law Centre NI, said: “As well as his work internationally, Professor Marmot has galvanised and spearheaded local initiatives to overcome health inequality through his ‘Marmot Cities’ model. We know that Professor Marmot’s lecture will have important messages for our local decisionmakers about putting health and wellbeing at the heart of all government policy at a city, local and regional level. Professor Marmot’s ambition is nothing less than a fairer, healthier society for all and we’re honoured that he has joined us to give this year’s lecture.”
Impact of social inequality on poor health outcomes
Professor Marmot has led research groups on health inequalities for nearly 50 years and chaired the WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health and many reviews on tackling health inequality. He is adviser to the World Health Organisation and governments and author of the “Marmot Review: Fair Society, Healthy Lives” and “The Health Gap – the challenge of an unequal world.”
More information on the work of Professor Sir Michael G. Marmot can be found here.