Social determinants of health

Publications - health systems

Key documents

Challenging inequity through health systems - final report of the Health Systems Knowledge Network, 2007

Health systems are seen by the HSKN to include all activities whose primary purpose is to improve health. This final report discusses important health system features and actions that can address health inequity. While it focuses on low- and middle-income countries, many of the recommendations may be appropriate to high-income countries.

Building equitable, people-centred national health systems: the role of parliament and parliamentary committees on health in East and Southern Africa, 2007

This literature review, commissioned by the Health Systems Knowledge Network, presents evidence from published literature on parliament's work, its role in relation to policy, law and financing of government action on health, how parliaments can influence policy and law.

Proposed areas of investigation for the Knowledge Network: an initial scoping of the literature, 2006

This paper presents the framework used by the HSKN for understanding the health system as a social determinant, reference base for building the national policy space for health policies that seek social justice, and a work plan for health systems.

Background papers and additional documents

Primary health care as a strategy for achieving equitable care, 2007

How have global health initiatives impacted on health equity? What strategies can be put in place to enhance their positive impact and mitigate against negative impacts? 2007

Planning and market regulation: strengths, weaknesses and interactions in the provision of less inequitable and better quality health care, 2007

Strategies to achieve universal coverage: are there lessons from middle-income countries? 2007

SDH discussion forum

WHO film on social determinants of health

The commission

Other expert groups

Regional reports on Social Determinants of Health

Partners