The objective of this action is to assist Member States to develop action plans on reducing health inequalities, which would also support them in the context of the structural funds activities in the next programming period beginning in 2013.

The action contributes towards the implementation of Commission Communication COM(2009) 567 final of 20 October 2009 on Solidarity in health: reducing health inequalities in the EU which sets out the Commission's intention to "review the possibilities to assist Member States to make better use of EU Cohesion policy and structural funds to support activities to address factors contributing to health inequalities."

The activity will prioritise those Member States and regions where premature mortality exceeds 20 per cent of the EU average (defined by under 65 years standardised mortality rates).

The activities should include an analysis of health inequalities and preparation of outline actions to reduce health inequalities within and between regions or sub regions; information exchange and sharing of good practice between Member States and regions in relation to action to tackle health inequalities with the possibility of a limited amount of input from centres of expertise from outside of these regions; and the development of plans to address inequalities in a) access to health care and health prevention services, with special attention to vulnerable groups and communities and underserved regions, b) causes of health inequalities relating to health related behaviours and c) causes of health inequalities related to living and working conditions, including access to basic needs such as water and sanitation.

The deadline for submitting an application is the 27 May 2011 (date of poststamp).

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