Evidence on social determinants of health

Evidence to support the case for addressing social determinants of health is divided into two types: The first relates to the five ‘Action Areas’ of the Rio Political Declaration on SDH, and which focuses on how to put in place processes to address the causes – for example, structural conditions – and consequences of ill-health. The second relates to themes (originally known as ‘Knowledge networks’), such as early child development, health systems, urbanization, and others.
Action Areas
In preparing for the World Conference on SDH, a number of a case studies and other research and analysis were conducted in order to provide the evidence base for the SDH approach, and which formed the basis of the Rio Political Declaration. This evidence is organized within the five ‘Action Areas’ of the Declaration.
Themes
During its tenure, the Commission on Social Determinants of Health focused on nine broad areas that contain within them major determinants of health. These key themes remain integral to the work of the WHO implementation strategy and global plan as it moves forward.