The HEPROGRESS project: Reducing health related social and gender inequalities and barriers to social and economic participation - Evidence based local policies, interventions and empowerment planning.

There are big health inequalities in Østfold Region (Norway) and Vidzeme Region (Latvia), and they are most likely increasing. This is the overall background for the HEPROGRESS project, who will both challenge and help local and regional politicians and managers to do something about it.

The project is based upon the following philosophy:

• Social inequalities in health can only be reduced if those who control the social determinants of health have sufficient expertise and motivation.
• Reducing social inequalities in health in Østfold and Vidzeme requires good and strong long term leadership and cooperation with other actors
• To succeed in reducing the social inequalities in health in Østfold and Vidzeme health in all policies are crucial.
• Health inequalities is unfair and we are not willing to accept it!