Ministry of Health and Social Affairs
The Ministry of Health and Social Affairs is responsible for issues concerning the welfare of society. This is about promoting people’s health, but also making sure that sick people get the treatment that they need. It includes insurance to provide financial security for those who are sick or elderly, or have young children. Providing care for people with social difficulties, the disabled and the elderly is also included. The Ministry’s work also includes sport issues, rights of the child, rights for people with disabilities and gender equality.
Responsible ministers
News from Ministry of Health and Social Affairs
Ministers at the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs
Annika Strandhäll, Minister of Social Security, and Lena Hallengren, Minister of Health and Social Affairs and head of ministry. Photo: Mats Bäckelin/Government Offices Today, Prime Minister Stefan Löfven presented the Statement of Government Policy in the Riksdag and announced the ministers that make up the Government. Lena Hallengren is the Minister for Health and Social Affairs and head of ministry. Annika Stranhäll is the Minister for Social Security.
Proposals aiming to offer EU citizens continued entitlement to social security benefits after Brexit
In the social security area, the immediate effect of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU is that central EU legal provisions will no longer apply. To prevent any acute consequences, the Government is planning to take measures that will primarily mitigate the effects that may arise for individuals during the initial period after the withdrawal. The proposals aim to allow a period of adjustment.
Dementia strategy focusing on care
On 24 May, the Government adopted a national strategy for dementia care. The Government wants to secure improved quality of care and increased safety and security for people with dementia and their families.
Next step to incorporate Convention on the Rights of the Child into Swedish law
The Swedish Government has decided to submit a proposal in July 2017 to the Council on Legislation to incorporate the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) into Swedish law. The Government considers that the CRC’s strong position must be made clearer and that a child rights-based approach must have a major impact on how the law is applied. Preparation of the proposal is now under way.
Gender-equal pensions
The Working Group on Pensions takes a holistic approach on gender-unequal pensions. Within the framework of the ongoing review of pensions, a project – ‘Gender-equal pensions’ – was carried out, aimed at tackling the challenge presented by the large differences in women’s and men’s pensions.
A Feminist Government
Sweden has the first feminist government in the world. There is a focus on gender equality, both in national and international work. Women and men must have equal power to shape society and their own lives. Ultimately it is a question of human rights, democracy and justice. Gender equality is also a part of the solution to the challenges facing society. Gender equality is a matter of course in a modern welfare society – for social justice and economic development.
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Continued intensive efforts in response to the dry, hot summer
· Article from Annika Strandhäll, Lena Hallengren, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation, Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of the Environment and Energy, Morgan Johansson, Peter Hultqvist
The prolonged heat and drought have impacted many sectors of society. There have been numerous forest fires, the agricultural sector has been severely affected by the drought and groundwater levels have dropped. The extreme temperatures can also cause health problems, especially among older people and the sick. The Government is following developments closely and taking the necessary decisions. The Government Offices is in continuous contact with the responsible government agencies.
Continued intensive efforts in response to the dry, hot summer -
Heatwave and health
Sweden is experiencing unusually high temperatures this summer. Heatwaves can cause problems for people's health. Exposure to heat carries with it different risks for different individuals.
Heatwave and health -
Dementia strategy focusing on care
On 24 May, the Government adopted a national strategy for dementia care. Sweden’s population is living longer. Life expectancy has risen almost continuously for the past 250 years, and is currently more than 84 years for women and close to 81 years for men. The risk of developing dementia rises with increasing age. This national strategy will enable the Government in the coming years to adopt a more comprehensive approach to dementia care. The Government wants to secure improved quality of care and increased safety and security for people with dementia and their families.
Dementia strategy focusing on care -
State Secretary to Annika Strandhäll
Agneta Karlsson is State Secretary to Minister for Social Security Annika Strandhäll. State secretaries are politically appointed senior officials at the Government Offices who lead the work of a ministry directly under the head of the ministry or another minister. State secretaries are responsible for planning and coordination.
State Secretary to Annika Strandhäll -
Convention on the Rights of the Child will become Swedish law
On 13 June, the Riksdag (the Swedish parliament) adopted a bill on making the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Swedish law. In order for the convention to have a greater impact, the Government is also proposing a guidance document, an education initiative and continued systematic transformation work.
Convention on the Rights of the Child will become Swedish law -
International conference in Stockholm on men and gender equality
On 15–16 May, Sweden and Minister for Children, the Elderly and Gender Equality Lena Hallengren hosted the 4th International Conference on Men and Equal Opportunities (ICMEO) in Stockholm. Among the 300 participants were several European gender equality ministers, researchers and representatives of government agencies and civil society. The role and responsibility of men and boys in gender equality efforts was in focus, as well as how we change social norms that have negative effects.
International conference in Stockholm on men and gender equality -
Public health policy to be more equitable
In mid-April 2018, the Government presented the Bill entitled ‘Good and equitable public health – an advanced public health policy’ to the Riksdag. The overarching objective of public health policy will be reworded, with a clearer focus on equitable health throughout the population, and the goal of reducing avoidable health inequalities within a generation.
Public health policy to be more equitable -
Speech by Lena Hallengren at ICMEO– International Conference on Men and Equal Opportunities in Stockholm
Stockholm 15 May 2018. Check against delivery.
Speech by Lena Hallengren at ICMEO– International Conference on Men and Equal Opportunities in Stockholm -
Press invitation: International Conference on Men and Equal Opportunities
Media representatives are invited to the International Conference on Men and Equal Opportunities (ICMEO) in Stockholm, Sweden, on 15–16 May.
Press invitation: International Conference on Men and Equal Opportunities -
Questions and answers about incorporating UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Swedish law
Questions and answers about incorporating UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Swedish law
