WHO policies & strategies

The structural determinants of health encompass a country’s political, economic and technological context; patterns of social stratification, by differentiating factors such as employment status, income, education, age, gender and ethnicity; the legal system; and public policies in areas other than health. Fostering collaboration across sectors is therefore essential.

Achieving this strategic objective will require policy coherence among all ministries, based on an approach involving government as a whole, that assures the right of everyone to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health as a common goal across sectors and social constituencies in light of a shared responsibility.

National strategies and plans should take into account all forms of social disadvantage and vulnerability that affect health, and should involve civil society and relevant stakeholders through, for example, community-based initiatives. Principles of human rights and ethics should guide policy making to ensure the fairness, responsiveness, accountability, sustainability and coherence of health-related policies and programmes while overcoming social exclusion.

Redressing the root causes of health inequities will need WHO – both Secretariat and Member States – to ensure that the perspectives of gender equality, poverty, ethics and human rights are incorporated into preparation of health guidelines, policy making and programme implementation.