The local health authority is a central pillar for protecting the health of the population. Peo-ple in socially disadvantaged circumstances are an important target group for the public health service. Social inequality and health is the motto for this year’s Local Health Authority Day on 19 March. „Education, occupation and income also influence health opportunities and life expectancy in Germany,“ emphasises Prof. Dr Lars Schaade, President of the Robert Koch Institute. The social inequality of health opportunities and disease risks is also a focus of epidemiological research and health reporting at the Robert Koch Institute.