PHA-Exch> Lancet : Social determinants of health: a call for papers

[Claudio Schuftan]

From: Ruggiero, Mrs. Ana Lucia (WDC) <ruglucia at paho.org>
croossposted from : EQUIDAD at listserv.paho.org


 *Social determinants of health: a call for papers*

* *

*The Lancet, Volume 371, Number 9627, 31 May 2008*



Website:
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673608607722/fulltext



*"…..On Nov 8, 2008, The Lancet* will publish a theme issue devoted to the
social determinants of health. We invite submission of research papers,
reviews, viewpoints, and comments with an emphasis on action—what the
doctor, public-health worker, policy maker, and politician can do to reduce
inequalities and tackle the broad interplay of economic and social forces
affecting health.



This theme issue will be produced in parallel with a conference being held
in London (Nov 6–7,2008) called :
*Closing the Gap in a Generation: Health Equity** Through Action on the
Social Determinants of Health*



The conference also aims to identify actions based on recommendations set
out by the WHO Commission on the Social Determinants of Health. That
Commission, chaired by Michael Marmot, will publish its final report after
the summer. Launched in 2005, the Commission has used an ambitious process
of knowledge networks, country consultations, and wide engagement with civil
society and academia to devise a global strategy to realise longstanding
hopes for health equity.



One telling example of the complexity the Commission will have to grapple
with was provided last week by Save the Children. In its report *The Road
Less Travelled: Barriers to Poor Children's Healthcare Utilisation in
Developing and Transitional Countries*, Save the Children described how the
child mortality gap is widening in the world's poorest countries. Transport
can cost as much as half the total cost of health care. Corruption can be a
major obstacle to preventive services, such as vaccination. And high drug
prices can dissuade families from purchasing the care they need.



In the Commission's interim report, Marmot described health as "a universal
human aspiration and a basic human need". Although that view commands wide
medical and political support, translating this vision into a practical,
realisable, and affordable plan has proven beyond the ability of most
nations. The Commission's work is an opportunity to turn advocacy into
action. The Lancet invites clinical and public-health scientists and
practitioners to make their contribution to this unprecedented international
event…."



WHO: http://www.who.int/social_determinants/en/
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