5.1 Integrated frameworks for equity and community-driven change
This area supports the development of multisectoral governance models and policy frameworks that place health equity at the centre of planning and implementation. It emphasizes integrated approaches that align health with social, legal, economic and environmental priorities, recognizing the shared responsibility across sectors for improving population well-being. Activities under this area include the creation of enabling policy environments, the promotion of equity-based investment cases, and the facilitation of networks and platforms that strengthen intersectoral coordination
Examples from SIMASHE
Comprehensive social protection to enhance positive social determinants of health through a national care system in Chile: In collaboration with the Ministries of Women and Gender Equality, and Health, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Family has developed Chile Cuida, a National Care System. This network connects institutions, programmes and services to support individuals requiring assistance, and their caregivers. It integrates efforts from the public and private sectors, civil society and communities to address care needs comprehensively. The system promotes community care centres, technical assistance for people with disabilities, and caregiver support, shifting care from a female-centered responsibility to a shared societal commitment.
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Post-disaster and recovery dialogues with an equity focus in Morocco: A regional meeting in Morocco in January 2025 highlighted the role of social determinants of health and multisectoriality, particularly in crisis response. A WHO-led field visit to earthquake-impacted areas showcased the importance of local health centres and multisector collaboration. Participants from government, civil society and academia discussed data-driven decision-making and lessons from COVID-19 and the Al-Haouz earthquake. Findings will inform future policies, promoting health equity in emergencies.
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Examples from related work and initiatives
Addressing health inequities through multisectoral dialogues and networks in Latin America: With financial and technical support from the International Development Law Organization, the Latin American and Caribbean Human Rights and HIV-related Legal Services Network was established, bringing together HIV-related organizations, health practitioners, lawyers and activists from 12 countries. The network aims to strengthen HIV-related legal services by sharing information and expertise across the region, and has created an online platform for dialogue and a joint referral system for legal advice. In early 2020, members used the platform to share information on COVID-19 laws and policies, and their impact on people living with HIV.
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Advancing Road Safety Through an SDH Lens in Manila, the Philippines: Developed with a social determinants of health lens, the Metro Manila Road Safety Action Plan (2024–2028) aims to reduce road crash fatalities by 35% by 2028, through a coordinated, multi-agency approach aligned with national and global road-safety goals. The plan recognizes road safety as a broader public health and equity issue. It integrates the Safe System Approach and emphasizes cross-sector collaboration to address underlying social and environmental determinants that influence traffic risks and outcomes in Manila.
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Key intervention activities
SIMASHE is continuously seeking examples related to this area of work, including activities for:
- developing intersectoral policy platforms that align health, social protection and economic strategies.
- creating investment cases to demonstrate the societal and economic returns of equity-focused policies.
- facilitating equity-informed dialogues across sectors during crisis response and recovery planning.
- establishing regional or national networks to coordinate legal and social services for populations in conditions of vulnerability.
- promoting policy tools that integrate SDH across institutional mandates.