Comments on the World Health Organization Report of Commission on Social Determinants of Health - Final Report: Closing the gap in a generation

Abstract

The Commission's underlying theme that improving health for all because it is a good thing in itself is commendable because we should 'get real' about what really matters – the implementation of social justice policies that will reduce health inequality within a relatively short period of time. Examples of policies that impact on people's socio-economic circumstances and will result in widespread health improvement include tax, housing and transport policies. Governments should ensure a living wage for workers, a reduction in work-related stress and a healthy life-balance. These policies are commensurate with the Millennium Development Goals. The body of evidence presented in the Report clearly demonstrates major and unacceptable levels of health inequity between, and within, countries. The Report also provides helpful and useful illustrations of some familiar themes and in establishing and explaining the connections between basic factors that are causing poor health and health inequities globally.