A new research centre to tackle global health challenges has been opened at the University of Essex.

The Centre for Global Health and Intersectional Equity Research will offer academics and health professionals the latest research, tools, and methods to help protect the world's most vulnerable people.

Led by Professor Anuj Kapilashrami, from Essex’s School of Health and Social Care, the centre aims to build a worldwide community of health researchers and practitioners.

It will track global health indicators, and map health statuses of vulnerable groups to provide crucial evidence.

Professor Kapilashrami said: "Global health is confronted with multiple crises and challenges, not least the growing health gap between the most and least disadvantaged.

"Essex is uniquely-placed to address this challenge.

"We have the expertise and tools at our disposal to help ensure good health for all."

Professor Mariachiara Di Cesare, director of Essex’s Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Growing uncertainties about future pandemics, the resurgence of eliminated diseases, and other health issues, such as mental health, reaching epidemic proportions, make this centre more important than ever.

“The new centre is well-placed to generate world-leading research and support to a variety of national and international stakeholders in their fight against health inequities."