The NOVA TALKS series, a podcast initiative by NOVA University of Lisbon, promotes critical discussion and knowledge sharing on major challenges in health and society. The most recent episode, released in late December and entitled “Health and Inequality – How to Break Cycles”, addresses the persistence of health inequalities in access to care, quality of services and health outcomes, including in high-income and developed countries.
The episode examines the role of social determinants of health, such as education, gender, income, housing conditions and geographical context, in shaping health trajectories. Particular emphasis is placed on the intergenerational cycles linking poverty, disease and lower levels of education, which contribute to the reproduction of health inequalities across generations.
Differences between urban and rural contexts are also discussed, highlighting territorial disparities in health opportunities and outcomes. In addition, the programme explores the role of public policies and underscores the importance of preventive approaches, including the strengthening of primary healthcare, the promotion of health literacy and the adoption of healthy behaviours. The discussion reinforces the need for intersectoral strategies to effectively address and reduce health inequalities.
The episode features Isabel Craveiro, researcher from PPS-GHTM and facilitator of the CCI FRP – Fair Research Partnerships, alongside Joana Alves from the National School of Public Health (ENSP NOVA). Their contributions provide an analytical perspective on the structural, social and policy dimensions of health inequities.
The episode is available for listening on Spotify.