Rio Political Declaration on Social Determinants of Health

The World Conference on Social Determinants of Health defined 15 commitments that should be undertaken by governments, international organisations, the private sector and civil society. The final document, the Rio Declaration on Social Determinants of Health (Rio Declaration), calls for better governance for health and development, with transparent  decision-making and social participation. Governments are urged to develop policies and measure progress towards defined goals.

The Declaration expresses global political commitment to implement an approach that addresses the social determinants of health in order to reduce health inequities and achieve other global priorities. However this is not binding on signatories. The Declaration resonates with and strengthens the process of developing a new European policy for health and well-being, Health 2020, by recognizing the vital importance of the social determinants of health and the needs: 

·         to reduce health inequities;

·         to strengthen governance for health and development;

·         to strengthen health systems to support the provision of equitable universal coverage of health care;

·         to maintain and further expand public health capacity, including capacity for intersectoral action on the social determinants; and

·         to work for equity through the inclusion of health in the policies of all sectors.

To access Rio Declaration, click here