Canada's Response to WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health

Resources

• Health Equity Through Intersectoral Action: An Analysis of 18 Country Case Studies

• Crossing Sectors - Experiences in Intersectoral Action, Public Policy and Health

• Reducing Health Disparities - Roles of the Health Sector: Discussion Paper

• Reducing Health Disparities - Roles of the Health Sector: Recommended Policy Directions and Activities

Canadians are among the healthiest people in the world, but major health disparities exist; the most important relate to socio-economic status, aboriginal identity, gender and geographic location.

Two reports from the former Federal, Provincial and Territorial Advisory Committee on Population Health and Health Security (ACPHHS) provide important tools to engage decision-makers and researchers in an informed discussion about health disparities in Canada and options for addressing them.

The discussion paper focuses on (1) the state of health disparities in Canada and their consequences and (2) current roles and activities of the health sector in Canada and elsewhere to address health disparities.

The policy report provides the health sector with opportunities for action in areas within its span of direct control and through influencing partnerships with other sectors.

Population Health Resources
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/phdd/resources/index-eng.php

WHO Publications on social determinants of health
http://www.who.int/social_determinants/links/publications