About the research
Social inequity leads to health inequities. Health is improving in Sweden and globally but widening income gaps, further marginalization of some groups and increased forced migration are contributing to widening health disparities. Closing the health equity gap requires actions both within and outside the health sector.
Broad social protection, including Universal Health Coverage, needs to be coupled with tailored delivery models for the most vulnerable, as well as technological innovations that enables better outreach and access.
The epidemiological transition is rapidly changing the health landscape globally, with a clear need to improve prevention and care for non-communicable diseases (NCD). However, infectious diseases remain major contributors to the burden of disease especially in low- and middle-income countries. The Sustainable Development Goals include ambitious targets to end global epidemics such as tuberculosis (TB). Multi-sectoral approaches for prevention and care are required to achieve this.
Research areas
Our research team uses social epidemiology, qualitative methods, basic science methods as well as health economy and implementation research methods to:
- identify social determinants and consequences of disease, with a major focus on poverty-related infectious diseases, especially TB;
- evaluate social protection interventions aimed to improve health care access, financial risk protection and equity;
- develop and evaluate innovative mobile and digital technologies that improves early diagnosis and equitable access;
- assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of above interventions;
- determine health needs of migrants and evaluate health examinations of asylum seekers and refugees.