[Health inequalities in Germany: the international perspective]

In recent years, a lively discussion has developed in Germany concerning health inequalities. The international perspective has however been largely neglected. Two questions are important: Are health inequalities in Germany as large as in the other Western European countries? What topics and initiatives are of major importance if the scope is expanded to countries outside of Western Europe? Some studies have been published that could contribute to an answer to the first question. This information is very scattered, though, and it has not been reviewed yet in a systematic manner. The overview presented here shows that health inequalities in Germany are about as large as in the other Western European countries. Looking at health inequalities on a more global scale, it can be seen, for example, how the scientific community is trying to place more emphasis on the large differences between rich and poor countries.