Distribution of health is one of the challenges facing the Nordic countries and Europe. Although health and life expectancy have improved in the Nordic countries, inequalities in the distribution of health persist. The difference in mortality rates among different socio-economic groups, for instance, has grown greater. Although inequalities in the distribution of health may be viewed as a health-economic problem, this is above all an egalitarian issue related to the future development of the welfare state.

The report gives an overview of research activities, funding and funding systems of relevance to research on health and welfare-related issues in the Nordic countries 2005-2010. Based on these findings, the report also provides policy recommendations to Nordic political circles, research funding agencies and NordForsk.