Calls for action on health inequalities grow louder

An important resolution has been adopted at the sixty-second WHO World Health Assembly, relating to action on the social determinants of health.

The resolution urges WHO member states to show political commitment, "as a national concern", towards the main principles as set out in the WHO report on the social determinants of health.

The WHO also pushes for greater dialogue among the different sectors of government, with a view to "integrating a consideration of health into relevant public policies and enhancing intersectoral action", and asks member states to "consider developing and strengthening universal comprehensive social protection policies" to ensure that everyone has access to goods and services which are essential to health and well-being.

The resolution adds weight to calls to address the wider determinants of health and to take action on the recommendations set out in former international health promotion conferences such as the Ottawa Charter on Health Promotion and the Bangkok Charter for Health Promotion in a Globalized World.

The WHO report on the social determinants of health stresses that “action must start now” to address these issues, which lead to “the consequent unfairness in the immediate visible circumstances of people’s lives.”

The full text of the resolution on reducing health inequities through action on the social determinants of health can be downloaded here.