Social Determinants of Health
We work to address the social, physical and economic conditions that impact upon health, by compiling and disseminating evidence on what works to address these determinants, building capacity and advocating for more action.
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Our work

Supporting countries to implement and monitor urban health policies

Strengthening partnerships and city networks to address urban health

Developing capacity for urban health

Providing cross-cutting solutions to improve health in urban areas

Building leadership and capacity for the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030)

Enabling diverse voices and meaningful engagement of older people

Reducing social isolation and loneliness among older people

Creating age-friendly cities and communities

Connecting diverse stakeholders for the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030)

Preventing abuse of older people

Changing how we think, feel, and act towards age and ageing

Developing an urban health research agenda

Building the evidence for action

Developing global targets for road safety risk factors and service delivery mechanisms

Building capacity for violence and injury prevention

Promoting Health in All Policies and intersectoral action capacities

Preventing violence against health workers

Preventing violence against children

Caring for child victims of violence

Advocating for road safety

Measuring and evaluating child maltreatment

Latest publications

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Corporal punishment of children: the public health impact
11 August 2025

Corporal punishment of children: the public health impact

This technical report describes the prevalence, risk factors for, and consequences of child corporal punishment, which it defines as “any punishment...

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From loneliness to social connection: charting a path to healthier societies
30 June 2025

From loneliness to social connection: charting a path to healthier societies

This landmark report from the WHO Commission on Social Connection highlights that social isolation and loneliness are widespread, with serious but under-recognized...

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Urban health capacities assessment and response: Health-promoting land rights planning for urban food security and shelter, Lira city, Uganda
17 May 2025

Urban health capacities assessment and response: Health-promoting land rights planning for urban food...

Assessing and using capacities that create synergies across sectors and levels of governance can significantly improve urban health and well-being. The...

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Measuring the progress and impact of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030): framework and indicators recommended by WHO Technical Advisory Group
12 May 2025

Measuring the progress and impact of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030): framework and indicators...

Global efforts to foster healthy ageing took a significant leap forward in 2020 when WHO Member States endorsed the Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030)...

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