How do we move forward on the social determinants of health: the global governance challenges

Abstract

The final report of the WHO Commission on the Social Determinants of Health is the culmination of a huge analytical effort to review the evidence and produce clear policy measures for achieving health equity. Further consideration needs to be given to an effective political strategy for taking forward these measures. Framing health equity in relation to global health, linking it to other key policy priorities, recognising that normative differences rather than lack of evidence lies at the heart of the problem, creating an appropriate institutional form for taking forward the Commission's recommendations, being prepared to challenge the status quo in global governance, and reflecting on the strengths and limitations of WHO's role in global governance should be part of such a strategy.

Keywords:

• inequalities
• health equity
• World Health Organisation

Acknowledgements

This research was funded in part by the European Research Council under the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme–Ideas Grant 230489 GHG.