The Commission on Social Determinants of Health: Tackling Health Inequities
Author Information
Author(s): Alec Irwin, Nicole Valentine, Chris Brown, Rene Loewenson, Orielle Solar, Hilary Brown, Theadora Koller, Jeanette Vega
Primary Institution: World Health Organization
Hypothesis
How can policy and institutional change address the social determinants of health to improve health equity?
Conclusion
The Commission on Social Determinants of Health aims to strengthen health equity by addressing the social conditions that lead to health disparities.
Supporting Evidence
- Health equity gaps are growing despite global wealth and technological progress.
- The greatest share of health problems is due to social conditions.
- Effective policy must address the underlying social conditions that make disadvantaged groups more vulnerable.
Takeaway
Some people are sick and die earlier because they don't have the same access to health resources as others. This study shows that we need to change the way we think about health to help everyone.
Potential Biases
Political and economic constraints may hinder the implementation of effective policies.
Limitations
Systematic research on effective policies to reduce health inequities is limited.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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