Bulgaria

Country profile

The Republic of Bulgaria is a parliamentary democracy in the south-east of Europe with a population of over seven million. The population is predominately concentrated in urban areas whilst the economy relies on local natural resources with the strongest sectors being heavy industry and agriculture

Following it’s declaration of independence in 1908 the country was organized into nine provinces or regions. In 1999 a new administrative structure was adopted which resulted in the country being comprised of 28 provinces. In 2007 Bulgaria became a member of the EU. From 2001, Bulgaria experienced rapid economic growth yet its income levels remain of the lowest within the EU.

Policy responses

The attention afforded to health inequalities in Bulgaria has been on the increase in recent years. Issues that are particularly high on the political agenda include vulnerable groups (such as the Roma population) and the social determinants of health. Policy responses tend to be planned across sectors at the national level in an implicit manner, and implemented in a multi-sectoral approach at the regional level.

An overview of policy responses addressing health inequalities in can be found in our Policy Database.

Good practices

Key actors

Please find below an overview of key actors in Bulgaria working on health inequality issues:

• Department of Social Medicine and Healthcare Management, Medical University, Sofia

• Ministry of Health

• National Center of Public Health and Analyzes
   

Are you aware of any other key actors that should be added to this list? 
Please let us know!

Key resources

Please find below an overview of relevant documents addressing health inequality issues in Bulgaria. Further publications can be found in our Publications Database.

• National Strategy Reports on Social Protection and Social Inclusion 2008-2010 (2008)

• Presentation by Ministry of Health: Health Inequalities in Bulgaria – Action and Challenges (2008)
   

Are you aware of any other key resources that should be added to this list?
Please let us know!