Why is there a need for Canada to focus on the social determinants of health?
Not all Canadians enjoy good health and major persistent health disparities exist between various groups in Canadian society. These health disparities are mostly attributed to socioeconomic status, Aboriginal heritage, gender, geographic location and other factors influencing health. In addition, health inequities between and within countries have also emerged as an area of concern for the global community. To improve the health of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable populations, we need to address the root causes of health problems. According to the WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health, these root causes are the social conditions in which people live and work, referred to as the social determinants of health. Evidence shows that most of the global burden of disease and the bulk of health inequalities are caused by social determinants.
