Closing the health equity gap: policy options and opportunities for action

Abstract

This report, which highlights policy options for consideration within national discussions, was developed in conjunction with WHO regional offices and others across the Organization who are working on the social determinants of health and equity issues. The general approach to the report was discussed at a seminar within WHO’s Information, Evidence and Policy cluster and with WHO regional advisors following the release of the final report of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health in August 2008. In January 2009 the 124th session of the WHO Executive Board supported the Commission’s recommendations, and the subsequent deliberations of the Sixty-second World Health Assembly in May 2009 led to the passing of resolution WHA62.14 on reducing health inequities through action on the social determinants of health.

This report aims to disseminate more detailed evidence-based policy options and opportunities for action by the health sector and other sectors in order to reduce health inequities. The financial support of the United Kingdom’s Department of Health is gratefully acknowledged.