Equity and health
Evidence suggests that the impressive health gains achieved over recent decades are unequally distributed and have largely failed to reach the poor and other marginalized or socially excluded groups. Persistent and growing inequalities in health are increasingly evident, both between and within countries.
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Social determinants of health
The WHO Western Pacific Regional Office provides support to strengthen national capacities to address the social determinants of health and to develop and implement policies and programmes—both within health and across other sectors—to reduce health inequities. Its work in this area links closely to its work in health systems strengthening and promoting a primary health care approach.
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Human rights and health
The right to health is a fundamental right. The enjoyment of this right is crucial for ensuring equitable health outcomes. Health and human rights are linked in at least three ways:
- Human rights violations can have serious health consequences.
- Depending on how they are designed or implemented, health policies and programmes can either promote or violate human rights.
- Taking steps to respect, protect and fulfil human rights can reduce ill-health or vulnerability to ill-health.
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Gender and health
The health of men and women is influenced not only by their living conditions, social and economic status and occupational profile but also by gender. Analysis increasingly reveals differentials between men and women, arising from sex and gender, across health conditions. Gender is a determinant of health. Efforts to improve overall health status must include due attention to how unequal gender relations influence health.
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