People living in poverty in Ireland can expect to die seven years younger than their wealthier neighbours, a conference was told today.
The one-day convention organised by the Combat Poverty Agency (CPA) and the Institute of Public Health (IPH) is exploring ways of closing that gap.
Dr Jane Wilde, Director of the Institute of Public Health
Some 250 delegates from both sides of the Border working in local government, statutory agencies, health services and community and voluntary organisations are attending the talks in Dublin's Croke Park.
"Economic and social inequalities directly impact on people's health," said Dr Jane Wilde, Director of the IPH.
"This is unfair and unjust, and not beyond our control to resolve. What we must do, and part of what today's conference is about, is take a social approach which recognises the impact of the social environment on health.
"We must advocate for public policies that support rather than undermine health and that reduce rather than increase health inequalities."
The conference aims to examine how a new focus on the social factors which affect health can close the gap on health inequalities and reduce poverty.
Helen Johnston, Director of the CPA, said a safe environment, adequate income, meaningful roles in society, secure housing, higher levels of education and social support within communities are all recognised as ways to improve health.
"This means that the agencies responsible for delivering these range of services must work together and take into account the impact they have on people's health," she said.
"What we need to do is look at the factors which lead to ill-health and break the cycle that exists," she added.