Determinants of Health

In a modern world, health refers to the condition of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. It is the basic human right, and the highest attainable standard of health must be achieved by every human being. This state is essential for peace and security, and the full co-operation of all individuals is crucial to achieve it. However, while health and disease are important ingredients in the equation, the broader context and determinants of health should be considered.

Many of us have been born with a variety of genes, and we often inherit them from our parents. Some of these genes can lead to less-than-optimal health, especially if the individual carries a high risk for a specific disease. Furthermore, environmental factors also play an important role in health. People with certain genes may develop an illness due to environmental triggers. The physical environment, for example, can affect the levels of pollution and germs in an area.

In addition to the WHO, other UN agencies support the development of international health goals. The Economic and Social Council, General Assembly, and Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), for example, address many health-related issues. The United Nations Children’s Fund also supports health-related activities. The United Nations is a global organization that has a special responsibility to protect and promote the health of children and adults. And, of course, the UN has its own set of goals for promoting health around the world.