The Social Determinants of Health

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is a human right. The World Wide Web defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. It refers to the capacity of individuals to enjoy the highest possible standard of health, regardless of race, ethnicity, religious belief, or socioeconomic status. Many nation states have endorsed the right to healthcare, and these governments are legally bound to protect access to quality care and to provide for the determinants of good health.

The World Health Organisation’s report on the social determinants of health was released in 1984. According to the report, health is defined as “the capacity to satisfy one’s needs and to make positive changes in the environment”. It emphasizes physical and social resources, and the importance of promoting healthy practices in situations of disease. As such, public health is essential to improving the quality of life for all people. The CDC recommends addressing social determinants of overall health, which are largely influenced by economic, educational, and political circumstances.

In the early twentieth century, the WHO adopted a definition of health that included the absence of disease. However, the World Health Organisation has suggested that this definition is no longer appropriate for today’s society. It suggests focusing on an individual’s ability to cope with stress, change environment, and manage physical health, as well as to cultivate self-management and resilience. This aims to foster better health and reduce the burden of disease. The new CDC report recommends a more comprehensive approach to health care.