New BMJ article: Manchester shows that real change in the social determinants of health is possible

Manchester shows that real change in the social determinants of health is possible

In a new BMJ article, Professor Sir Michael Marmot and Jessica Allen explore what Greater Manchester's experience can teach us about improving health equity across the UK.

With devolution high on the national agenda, the article argues that Greater Manchester has demonstrated how a place-based approach to the social determinants of health can deliver meaningful progress. Through initiatives such as Making Manchester Fairer, the region has embedded health equity across the life course—from early childhood and education to employment, housing and community empowerment.

The results are encouraging:

• School readiness among five-year-olds eligible for free school meals in Manchester City has risen above the English average.
• Secondary school attainment for pupils eligible for free school meals has improved in eight of Greater Manchester's ten local authorities, while national progress has stalled.
• Full-time employment rates in Greater Manchester are now above the English average.

These achievements stand in stark contrast to the wider national picture, where life expectancy has stagnated for 14 years and health inequalities continue to widen.

The authors argue that while local leadership is making a real difference, places cannot tackle health inequalities alone. National action is needed to address the social determinants of health and ensure every community has the opportunity to thrive.

With nearly 70 Marmot Places now working across England, Scotland and Wales—including Liverpool City Region, which recently became the newest Marmot City Region—the evidence continues to grow that healthier, fairer places are achievable.

📖 Read the full BMJ article here.