The determinants of international health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age, including the health system. These circumstances are shaped by the distribution of money, power and resources at global, national and local levels, which are themselves influenced by policy choices. The social determinants of health are mostly responsible for health inequities – the unfair and avoidable differences in health status seen within and between countries.
The working group on the Determinants of International Health started off by preparing the 2011 conference Will our generation close the gap? Comprehensive and innovative strategies to address social determinants of health. The group continues to bring together expertise and organised a series of workshops and seminars on specific social determinants, more recently assessing the impact of free trade on access to health as a public global good.
Interactive session on Decolonizing Global Health, 27th January 2022
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past events
19/10
2021
04/09
2020
Tools
- Thematic document on COVID-19 for 11.11.11 - CNCD-11.11.11: French - Dutch
- Trade agreements and health of workers, Liesbeth Vangeel, FOS: Article written as chapter of the 2017 Global Health Watch report by the North-South working group of the Action Platform Health and Solidarity and the working group on Social Determinants of Health of Be-cause health. The chapter looks at the possible risks that free trade agreements (FTAs) pose to health, and more specifically, to the health of workers. Trade agreements have an effect on employment and working conditions, and them being an important determinant of health, they can have a serious impact on workers’ health.
- Patients must come before profits in EU trade policies, Leila Bodeux, Oxfam Solidarity: Policy brief from the North-South working group of the Action Platform Health and Solidarity and the working group on Social Determinants of Health of Be-cause health focus on various aspects of the impact international trade policy has on health. The policy briefs examines the following topic: international trade policy and the right to health in relation to intellectual property rights (TRIPS)
- Free Trade Agreements and Decent Work: From windows dressing to real improvements in decent and healthy working conditions, Liesbet Vangeel, FOS: policy brief from the North-South working group of the Action Platform Health and Solidarity and the working group on Social Determinants of Health of Be-cause Health focus on various aspects of the impact international trade policy has on health. The policy briefs examine the following topic: international trade policy and the right to health in relation to decent work.
- Health is not for sale: Guaranteeing universal access to quality health care, Natalie Van Gijsel, Viva Salud
external links
World Conference on Social Determinants of Health:
- Rio Political Declaration on Social Determinants of Health, 21 Oct 2011
- Declaration by Public Interest Civil Society Organisations and Social Movements, 18 Oct 2011
World Health Organisation
- (WHO) Key concepts on social determinants of health
- Social Determinants Report 2008
- www.paho.org
- Equidad
Oxfam International reports:
- Working for the Many: Public services fight inequality
- A Dangerous Diversion: Will the IFC's flaghip health public-private partnership bankrupt Lesotho's Ministry of Health?
- The State of Global Health, presentation David McCoy, Queen Mary’s University London, Professor of Global Public Health and Global Health course director
- A Scoping study of Public and Private sector Delivery of Essential Services, Birgit Kerstens, on behalf of 11.11.11, October 2016
- The Alternatives - Approaches towards a Life in Full. A report that looks at how countries have improved health and wellbeing through approaches that do not fit the neoliberal model. By Health Poverty Action
Composition & members
The SDH working group consists of a mix of both institutional members such as Viva Salud, Christelijke Mutualiteiten - Mutualités Chrétiennes, Le Monde selon les Femmes, FOS, AEFJN and individual members. The group cooperates with the Health and Solidarity action platform.