The alarming increase in health inequalities and infant mortality in the Liverpool City Region, and the actions needed to tackle the growing problem, will be brought into focus at a free public event later this month.
Last week, Professor Sir Michael Marmot’s review into Health Equity in England revealed that for the first time in more than 100 years life expectancy has failed to increase across the country. Over the last decade health inequalities have widened overall, and the north/south health divide has increased.
Professor Louise Kenny, Executive Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the University, is leading the new Children Growing Up in Liverpool (G-GULL) study, which is focused on improving the health and wellbeing of children and their families within the Liverpool City Region.
Commenting on the findings of the Marmot review to the Liverpool Echo, Professor Kenny said: “Health outcomes are the best indicator of society and this report shows how inequality is casting a long shadow – which will last for decades- over children born today.
“Infant mortality has been falling in England every year since the war, now it is rising – and it is rising faster in Liverpool than anywhere else – it is more than twice the national average here.
“When you have rising infant mortality then you have a fundamental problem as a society.”
Joined in conversation by Dr Dawn Lawson, CEO Liverpool Health Partners, and Councillor Paul Brant, Professor Kenny will explain how children who have grown up in difficult conditions are more likely to face recurring disadvantage that is harmful to their health and wellbeing.
Addressing the stark fact that a baby girl born in Kensington, Liverpool can expect to live 13 fewer years in good health than one born and raised in Kensington, London, she will also will speak about how Liverpool research is attempting to reduce the north/south health divide.
The event is part of the University of Liverpool’s Open House festival, which features an award-winning line up of speakers including journalist Gavin Esler, author Emma Jane Unsworth and cultural campaigner Loyd Grossman.
If health is wealth – what next for the children of the north?
Monday 23 March, 6pm-7pm
Victoria Gallery & Museum, University of Liverpool
Book your free tickets here
Open House runs from 16-27 March 2020. For the full programme, including timings and booking details, please visit: www.liverpool.ac.uk/openhouse