World Health +SocialGood Day 2 Recap

Promoting health by addressing environmental and social determinants of health.

By Annie Rosenthal

Every year, global health experts come together at the World Health Assembly to set the agenda for the next year of work at the World Health Organization (WHO). This work crosses geographical and sector boundaries, touching everyone on this planet.

In order to cover this important conversation, WHO has partnered with the United Nations Foundation to produce World Health +SocialGood, a three-day program that connects experts at the assembly with viewers around the world. Day 1 of the conversation looked at ways that we can expand health access to create universal coverage.

Day 2: Promoting Health: Keeping Healthy in Today’s World

Day 2 explored the social and environmental determinants of health and how we can ensure that no one is left behind in health systems. Here are three things we learned:

1. Our long-term health is affected by a complex intersection of environmental and social determinants. From air quality to nutrition to each individual’s demographics, our health is affected by everything about us and around us. Dr Francesco Branca, Director, WHO Nutrition for Health and Development, reminded us that over 500,000 deaths can be attributed each year to the intake of trans fats. When constructing health interventions, it is vital to think across all of the SDGs, because each issue affects one another.
2. It is vital to have diverse voices included in global health policy decisions. Experts and stakeholders spoke about the importance of including a diverse array of voices in policy decisions, from different genders, generations, races, backgrounds, and geographies. This includes youth, women, and also people with disabilities, who face unique issues around affordability and accessibility to care and assistive technologies. For example, 70 million people need a wheelchair but only 5–15% have access to one. We must work with populations to ensure that they are connected with solutions that fit their context and needs.
3. We all have a role to play in creating a healthier world. Dr. Maria Neira, WHO Director of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health, made a call to the public to pressure their leaders to regulate air quality and address the dangerous affects of indoor and outdoor pollution. We all can take part in advocating for a healthier world. Whether through donations, volunteering, politics, or everyday changes to our lifestyles, we can work with the World Health Organization to create progress and combat detrimental health environments.

Day 3 of World Health +SocialGood explored how WHO is working to keep the world safe, protect the vulnerable, and address outbreaks and health emergencies. Check out our summary and find the recording here.