English
The social conditions in which people live - such as housing, income, education and discrimination - have a greater impact on health than genetic factors or the quality of the health system, according to a new study published by the World Health Organization (WHO). The research shows that more than half of the factors that determine people's health are social in nature. These "social determinants of health equity" include: the conditions in which people are born, live, work and age; access to resources, education and services; economic and social opportunities.
• Social injustices generate health inequalities
"Health inequality is not an accident. It is the result of how societies distribute resources and opportunities, influenced by political choices," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He stressed that billions of people are at greater risk of illness and death simply because of the conditions in which they were born, where they live or the social group they belong to.
• Call to action for global leaders
"We, global leaders, have the power and responsibility to change this system," Tedros added. The WHO points out that a large part of the diseases and deaths that affect the world's population can be prevented by public policies that reduce inequalities.
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