A major report published last week arms the UK  with an evidence-based strategy for reducing health inequalities over the next 10 years. Commissioned by the government, the report, Fair Society, Healthy Lives,  outlines six essential policy objectives:

1. Give every child the best start in life
2. Enable all children, young people to maximize their capabilities and have control over their lives
3. Create fair employment and good work for all
4. Enable healthy standards of living for all
5. Create and develop healthy and sustainable places and communities
6. Strengthen the role and impact of ill health prevention

Commissioner chair, Sir Michael Martmot, was asked by the Secretary of State for Health in November 2008 to identify the most effective strategies for reducing health inequalities in the UK.  This report is the result of this effort.

The full report and executive summary can be downloaded here.