18 March 2026
Sinikka Kitö - THL
From the outset, JACARDI committed to embedding equity and diversity across all aspects of its work. This ambition includes the design and implementation of our 143 pilot projects across Europe. To share the knowledge generated and make lessons learned widely accessible, JACARDI is launching the Equity Lens article series. Following an introduction to the concept and the tools created, upcoming pieces will draw on the JACARDI Equity Masterclass series, offering insights from a diverse pool of public health professionals within the consortium. Each contribution highlights practical approaches to tackling inequalities in healthcare to improve health outcomes for all.
From the very beginning, the challenge was clear: in order to reduce health inequities, deeply embedded structures reinforcing inequities must be addressed.
How can equity be systematically integrated into practice and policy?
To find answers, we turned to theory, research, consultation with experts, and the extensive collective expertise within our consortium. Based on these, we identified four simple steps that help us move towards equity and inclusion in practice and policy. To make them easy to remember we call them the 4Cs Framework.
The 4Cs Framework
- Critical reflection
- Context and data
- Co-design
- Communication
Together, the 4Cs prompt us to consider what shapes our ways of thinking, who is visible or invisible in the data, who participates in decision-making, and whose voices remain absent. They also encourage us to think intentionally about what we communicate, how we communicate it, and whom it reaches.
Maturity matrix tool and capacity-development activities support continuous learning
To further embed equity in practice, JACARDI developed an equity and diversity maturity matrix that supports JACARDI’s 143 pilot teams all across Europe in planning, implementation, and progress monitoring. In parallel, we introduced a set of capacity-development activities to deepen understanding of practical ways to promote equity and inclusion across diverse contexts.
We are continuing to learn, but early results are highly encouraging. The methods and tools developed within JACARDI are helping teams across Europe integrate equity more systematically. This work has the potential to influence more inclusive and sustainable health policy and practice across Europe.
A detailed description of the methodology, tools, and capacity-building activities can be found in the following publication in BMJ Global Health:
Skogberg N, Spadea T, Armocida B, Zaletel J, Formenti B, Fullaondo A, et al. Embedding equity and diversity principles in a complex multinational setting: methods, tools, capacity development and experiences from the first year of the Joint Action on Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes (JACARDI). BMJ Global Health. 2025;10:e019829. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2025-019829