Addressing Social Determinants of Health Inequities: What Can the State and Civil Society Do?

Reference Type:
Journal Article

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Author(s):
Blas, Erik
Gilson, Lucy
Kelly, Michael P.
Labonté, Ronald
Lapitan, Jostacio
Muntaner, Carles
Östlin, Piroska
Popay, Jennie
Sadana, Ritu
Sen, Gita
Schrecker, Ted
Vaghri, Ziba, with contributing author Arjumand A. Siddiqi

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Series Author(s):

Year Published:
2008

Date Published:

Journal Name:
Lancet

Volume Number:
372

Issue Number:
9650

Start Page Number:
1684-9

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ISSN/ISBN:

DOI:
10.1016/S0140-6736(08)61693-1

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Reference ID:
3609

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Abstract:

In this Health Policy article, we selected and reviewed evidence synthesised by nine knowledge networks established by WHO to support the Commission on the Social Determinants of Health. We have indicated the part that national governments and civil society can play in reducing health inequity. Government action can take three forms: (1) as provider or guarantor of human rights and essential services; (2) as facilitator of policy frameworks that provide the basis for equitable health improvement; and (3) as gatherer and monitor of data about their populations in ways that generate health information about mortality and morbidity and data about health equity. We use examples from the knowledge networks to illustrate some of the options governments have in fulfilling this role. Civil society takes many forms: here, we have used examples of community groups and social movements. Governments and civil society can have important positive roles in addressing health inequity if political will exists.

Keyword(s):
Fertility, Families, and Children
Population Movement, Diversity, Inequality
Place, Space, and Health

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Citation:

Blas, Erik; Gilson, Lucy; Kelly, Michael P.; Labonté, Ronald; Lapitan, Jostacio; Muntaner, Carles; Östlin, Piroska; Popay, Jennie; Sadana, Ritu; Sen, Gita; Schrecker, Ted; & Vaghri, Ziba, with contributing author Arjumand A. Siddiqi. (2008). Addressing Social Determinants of Health Inequities: What Can the State and Civil Society Do? Lancet, 372(9650), 1684-9.