Hackensack Meridian Health Joins World Economic Forum’s “Zero Health Gaps Pledge” Initiative to Improve Global Health Equity
January 19, 2023
The Global Health Equity Network (GHEN) launches first-in-kind health equity pledge to create a healthier and fairer world
Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive health network, is proud to announce it has signed the World Economic Forum’s Zero Health Gaps Pledge, the world’s first global, multi-sector health equity pledge. The health system is one of 39 initial signatory organizations from eight countries committed to join the Forum on its journey during its Annual Meeting in Davos.
“Hackensack Meridian Health is honored to join the fight against global health inequity alongside the World Economic Forum as part of our commitment to making a positive, lasting impact in healthcare,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “Placing health equity at the heart of our healthcare network is the right thing to do, and I am confident this global partnership will help us create a healthier world for all. This opportunity allows Hackensack Meridian Health to expand our impact as work toward developing a fair and just healthcare economy.”
Hackensack Meridian Health joins world-class organizations championing innovation in their respective industries, including the American Cancer Society, Black Directors Health Equity Agenda, Deloitte, Kaiser Permanente and Planned Parenthood.
According to the World Economic Forum, the pledge is a direct response to the persistent and growing global health disparities between and within countries. For example, the average life expectancy for people in high-income countries is 78, compared with just 64 for those in low-income countries. At the most extreme, Japan and the Central African Republic (CAR) have a difference in average life expectancy of more than 30 years. In recent years, the global climate and health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted the seriousness of these inequities and the dire consequences of not addressing them. The “Zero Health Gaps Pledge” is a plan for action that works toward correcting these issues.
Hackensack Meridian Health is currently fighting health inequities in New Jersey through its social determinants of health program, Healthy Connections, which helps identify five issue areas among patients: food, housing, transportation, caregiver support, mental health/substance abuse treatment. Since its inception in June 2021, Healthy Connections has provided over one million referrals to patients beyond traditional health care. The program also helps uninsured or discharged patients medications for chronic conditions at no-cost and provides medically tailored meals to eligible patients.
The Global Health Equity Network (GHEN) brings together private sector executives, government representatives, academics, and civil society leaders to advance a collective vision of Zero Health Gaps. The network’s vision is that all individuals have the fair and just opportunity to fulfill their human potential in all aspects of health and wellbeing. This means that there are no differences in healthy years in a person’s life span, within and across communities. Learn more about the Zero Health Gaps Pledge here.