World Conference on Social Determinants of Health Results in Declaration
The World Health Organizations’s "World Conference on Social Determinants of Health" in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 19-21 October 2011 brought together 1,000 participants from more than 125 countries and resulted in a signed declaration. Included in the proceedings was a special session presentation by Commissioner Tim Evans, MD on the health professional education reforms required to more effectively integrate competencies related to social determinants of health.
The Rio Political Declaration on Social Determinants of Health expresses global political commitment to implementing a social determinants of health approach to reduce health inequities and to achieve other global priorities. It is hoped that it will help build momentum within WHO member states for the development of dedicated national action plans and strategies.
Dr. Evans, who is Dean of BRAC University’s School of Public Health, used a social determinants lens to focus on the challenges of meeting Bangladesh’s health needs and the shortcomings in the current Bangladesh professional education system. A powerpoint of his presentation is available here.