Addressing the social determinants of health: the urban dimension and the role of local government

Abstract

This report summarizes the evidence on the social determinants of health and the built environment with special reference to the role of local government across countries in the WHO European Region. It draws on the findings of the global Commission on Social Determinants of Health and the European review of social determinants of health and the health divide. Through its leadership, local government has a significant role to play in working across sectors and with civil society partners to support and accelerate action to address the social determinants of health and the causes of health inequalities. The evidence presented here provides the background to the complementary report Healthy cities tackle the social determinants of inequities in health: a framework for action.