Dear Colleagues,

Published for over a decade by the University of Kalisz, the academic Journal of Health Inequalities plays a vital role in analyzing documentation and texts concerning health in Poland and the broader European context. One of its key objectives has been to document recurring public academic contributions and the conclusions drawn from these conferences. The 5^th World Conference on Family Health, titled “Prevention and intervention strategies for improving health in Poland. Closing the gap” is scheduled to take place at the University of Kalisz on October 13-14, 2026.

The conference will address the theme “Closing the health gap” and cover topics such as the “health recession” in Poland; trends in the epidemiology of malignant neoplasms (including lung cancer) and cardiovascular diseases; alcohol-related disorders and their prevention; a review of the coronavirus pandemic in Poland; the role and potential of health education; the role of cytisine in treating tobacco/nicotine dependence (and why it failed to become the “aspirin” of tobacco control in Poland); and other issues regarding public health prevention and interventions. The keynote lecture will be delivered by a world-leading health researcher and creator and pioneer of nutritional epidemiology, Professor Walter Willett from Harvard University. We would like to invite the Polish medical community to participate in the conference.

The current issue of the Journal of Health Inequalities presents a broad perspective on contemporary public health challenges, illustrating how health inequalities arise at the intersection of biological, environmental, social, economic, and healthcare-related factors. The articles gathered in this volume demonstrate that improving population health requires not only advances in medicine but also a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health, effective prevention strategies, and equitable access to healthcare and health information.

We open this issue with a special article addressing the health status of nurses and midwives in Poland. As the pillar of every healthcare system, these professionals play a fundamental role in promoting and protecting public health, yet their own health often remains overlooked. The authors argue that safeguarding the health of healthcare workers should be recognized as a public health priority, benefiting not only professionals themselves but also the quality, continuity, and resilience of healthcare systems.

The issue also explores the socioeconomic determinants of health through a review of the changing health status of Polish women, demonstrating how historical and contemporary inequalities continue to shape health outcomes. Several contributions focus on chronic diseases and lifestyle-related health risks. Lifestyle and prevention remain central themes. A review of physical activity and dietary habits among university students provides a framework for future international comparisons, while a study of school-aged children highlights the positive role of healthy behaviours, including physical activity, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and limited screen time, in promoting children’s health.

Together, the articles demonstrate that health inequalities arise from complex interactions between social, environmental, behavioural, and healthcare-related factors. Despite addressing diverse topics, they share a common goal: identifying evidence that can inform effective public health policies and contribute to more equitable healthcare systems. We hope this issue will stimulate further research, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and inspire initiatives aimed at reducing health inequalities. We wish our readers an engaging and rewarding read and to submit manuscripts for publication in upcoming issues. In closing, we would like to thank all the contributors whose work makes this issue crucial for monitoring the evolution of the health situation in Poland.

Sincerely yours,

Witold Zatoński