

Inequities in health are socially determined, preventing poorer populations from moving up in society and making the most of their potential. Many of these health differences are caused by the decision-making processes, policies, social norms and structures which exist at all levels in society.

Such trends within and between countries are unfair, unjust and avoidable. Within countries, improvements in child health between poorest and richest subgroups have been impaired by slower improvements for poorer subgroups. The under-5 mortality rate is more than eight times higher in Africa than the European region.Relative gaps within countries between poorer and richer subgroups for diseases like cancer have increased in all regions across the world.In 2016, the majority of the 15 million premature deaths due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) occurred in low- and middle-income countries.There is a difference of 18 years of life expectancy between high- and low- income countries.Poorer populations systematically experience worse health than richer populations. There remain persistent and widening gaps between those with the best and worst health and well-being. Life expectancy and healthy life expectancy have increased, but unequally. This is necessary for effective delivery to addressing inequities in health and promoting healthier populations. Scaled up and systematic action is required that is universal but proportionate to the disadvantage across the social gradient. Measure and understand the problem and assess the impact of action:Įxpand the knowledge base, develop a workforce that is trained in the social determinants of health, and raise public awareness about the social determinants of health.
#Heal synonym drivers#
The structural drivers of those conditions of daily life (for example, macroeconomic and urbanization policies and governance)

The social determinants of health equity is a complex and multifaceted field. There are challenges to overcome in implementing action to address health inequities through the social determinants of health. In addition, estimates show that the contribution of sectors outside health to population health outcomes exceeds the contribution from the health sector.Īddressing SDH appropriately is fundamental for improving health and reducing longstanding inequities in health, which requires action by all sectors and civil society.

For example, numerous studies suggest that SDH account for between 30-55% of health outcomes. Research shows that the social determinants can be more important than health care or lifestyle choices in influencing health.
