WHO Social Determinants of Health

During its tenure, the Commission on Social Determinants of Health focused on nine broad areas that contain within them major determinants of health. Each of the themes below was the area of a "knowledge network" (KN). Each KN was comprised of experts in the field and collectively they studied the pertinent social determinants and health equity issues. The final reports of the KNs, and other supporting background documents can be found here, as well as links to the organizations that led the work of the respective KN.

The key themes are integral to the work of the WHO implementation strategy as it moves forward. Knowledge areas will be updated as work is generated within the Department of Ethics, Equity, Trade, and Human Rights (ETH) and former CSDH knowledge networks - click here for more info

Early Childhood
The early child period is considered to be the most important developmental phase throughout the lifespan. Healthy early child development (ECD)—which includes the physical, social/emotional, and language/cognitive domains of development, each equally important—strongly influences well-being, obesity/stunting, mental health, heart disease, competence in literacy and numeracy, criminality, and economic participation throughout life. What happens to the child in the early years is critical for the child’s developmental trajectory and lifecourse.

The evidence of successful models and challenges to implementing early child development programs (pre-natal through to eight years ) was collected from countries, international agencies, NGOs and civil society. Criteria for successful implementation was developed for a range of country contexts, with particular focus on low income countries. Additionally, a database of successful program models was created.

Organizational hub:
Human Early Learning Partnership led by Dr Clyde Hertzman functioned as WHO's Knowledge Hub for ECD. Its broad mission was to raise the profile of early child development globally.

Key publications
Final report of the Early Child Development Knowledge Network - Early child development : a powerful equalizer

The final report of the ECDKN proposes ways in which government and civil society actors, from local to international, can work in concert with families to provide equitable access to strong nurturant environments for all children globally.

Total environment assessment model for early child development
This report provides a framework for understanding the environments (and their characteristics) that play a significant role in providing nurturant conditions to all children in an equitable manner.

International perspectives on early child development
This review identifies general principles that can guide wealthy and developing countries in improving their children’s developmental outcomes during the early years of life and through critical transitions such as entry to school.