## [Health inequalities](/uk-en/esg/health-inequalities "Health inequalities") ## **Tackling health inequalities: Why they matter** Health inequalities have deep roots and no single cause, driven by a complex mix of factors. These include:1 .icon-text-split-row img { max-height: 95px !important; width: auto !important; } .node .icon-text-split-row .field--type-image { margin-bottom: 0 !important; } .icon-text-split-row .icon-column { max-width: fit-content; } .icon-text-split-row p { padding-bottom: 0 !important; } ![Novartis Icon Diagram 1 Roundel Orange RGB](/uk-en/sites/novartis_uk/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2025-09/Novartis%20Icon%20Diagram%201%20Roundel%20Orange%20RGB.png.webp?itok=AzQKiPeW "Novartis Icon Diagram 1 Roundel Orange RGB") Variable access to healthcare ![Novartis Icon Clock Roundel Orange RGB](/uk-en/sites/novartis_uk/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2025-09/Novartis%20Icon%20Clock%20Roundel%20Orange%20RGB.png.webp?itok=42epxIhY "Novartis Icon Clock Roundel Orange RGB") Delays in diagnosis ![Novartis Icon Donate Roundel Orange RGB](/uk-en/sites/novartis_uk/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2025-09/Novartis%20Icon%20Donate%20Roundel%20Orange%20RGB.png.webp?itok=oUX-EW-e "Novartis Icon Donate Roundel Orange RGB") Lack of early intervention ![Novartis Icon Globe Roundel Orange RGB](/uk-en/sites/novartis_uk/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2025-09/Novartis%20Icon%20Globe%20Roundel%20Orange%20RGB.png.webp?itok=uNvU3tHI "Novartis Icon Globe Roundel Orange RGB") Environmental and social factors (e.g., housing, education, income) The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the scale of these disparities. People from ethnic minority backgrounds, those with long-term health conditions, and individuals in the most deprived areas face both higher mortality and more severe illness.2 **At Novartis UK, we use science-based innovation to reimagine how medicines are developed and accessed – driven by our belief that no one should have to wait for a better quality of life.** **We recognise our responsibility to help reduce health inequalities, working in partnership with policymakers, healthcare systems, and local communities to create lasting change.** ## Our pledge house We will collaborate to develop solutions that enable quicker diagnosis and earlier intervention for people most likely to experience health issues. At Novartis, our pledge is built on a company-wide commitment to understanding and reducing health inequalities. We aspire to be mindful of our impact and strive to address disparities across every part of our business – from research and development to access and engagement. ![Novartis health inequalities pledge house](/uk-en/sites/novartis_uk/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2025-09/PledgeHouseRGB.jpg.webp?itok=iC89QzRE "Novartis health inequalities pledge house") ## **Our action** Our pledge is underpinned by 4 key pillars: Improving access to healthcare ![Access room](/uk-en/sites/novartis_uk/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2025-09/access.jpg.webp?itok=4UwqSYZZ "Access room") We partner with healthcare systems to identify population groups most at risk of poor health. Through data analysis and risk stratification, we aim to support screening for earlier diagnosis and timely intervention. Enabling innovative models of care ![Innovation room](/uk-en/sites/novartis_uk/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2025-09/innovation.jpg.webp?itok=wqhyogIi "Innovation room") We co-create solutions with healthcare partners to improve access to diagnostics, preventive care, digital tools, and health literacy support for underserved communities. Strengthening inclusion in clinical research ![Inclusion room](/uk-en/sites/novartis_uk/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2025-09/inclusion.jpg.webp?itok=zfcKsIHr "Inclusion room") We collaborate with the UK research community to improve patient engagement and ensure people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to participate in clinical research. Building capability and sharing knowledge ![capability room](/uk-en/sites/novartis_uk/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2025-09/capability.jpg.webp?itok=VuGOX3Cn "capability room") We equip our teams with the tools, insights, and training needed to work meaningfully with healthcare systems and leaders – helping to shape patient services and develop workforce capability to narrow health inequalities at both system and local levels. At Novartis UK, we see it as both our responsibility and opportunity to drive positive social change by making health equity central to our mission. We work with governments, healthcare providers, patient groups, and communities to reduce health inequalities. Our influence extends beyond medicines – through inclusive hiring, responsible investment, promoting diversity, and supporting sustainability. **See** [**10 Ways Novartis is Working to Reduce Health Inequalities**](https://www.healthinequalitiestool.co.uk/10-ways-novartis-is-working-to-reduce-health-inequalities.pdf). ![10 Ways Novartis is Working to Reduce Health Inequalities](/uk-en/sites/novartis_uk/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2025-09/10%20ways%20graphic.png.webp?itok=Ey1UuaVW "10 Ways Novartis is Working to Reduce Health Inequalities") **References:** 1. NHS England (2019), ‘Place Based Approaches to reducing Health Inequalities’, Available at: \[Accessed: September 2025\] 2. The Health Foundation (2020), ‘Will COVID-19 be a watershed moment for health inequalities?’, Available at: [https://www.health.org.uk/publications/long-reads/will-covid-19-be-a-wat...](https://www.health.org.uk/publications/long-reads/will-covid-19-be-a-watershed-moment-for-health-inequalities) \[Accessed: September 2025\]