Tackling the Gradient: Applying Public Health Policies to Effectively Reduce Health Inequalities amongst Families and Children

Gradient is a research project which has received funding from the EU's Seventh Framework Programme. It addresses health inequalities among families and children with the aim to influence policy-makers in taking necessary steps to reduce the health gradient.

Health inequalities are currently regarded as one of the most important public health challenges in the EU. However, we do not have sufficient knowledge of which actions are effective to level up the gradient in health inequalities. The Gradient (March 2009 – 2012) aims to address this knowledge gap, to ensure that political momentum is maintained and that operational strategies can be developed to make progress on this issue. The focus of the research project will be on families and children, since the greatest impact on reducing the health gradient can be achieved through early life policy interventions and by creating equal opportunities during childhood and adolescence.