Build back fairer: Achieving health equity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Overview

The Commission on the Social Determinants of Health in the Eastern Mediterranean was established in 2019 by the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean as an independent, expert Commission. The Commission has conducted an extensive review of health inequities in the Region and has produced a report "Build back fairer: achieving health equity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region". The report provides detailed analysis of the status of health inequities and a list of actionable recommendations. The work of the Commission puts social justice and health equity at the centre of all action to address the social determinants of health.

The establishment of the Commission and their work is the result of a partnership between the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, the Institute of Health Equity at University College London and the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research.

Its work builds on the work of the global Commission on the Social Determinants of Health established by WHO in 2008 and of other regional commissions (in Europe and the Americas) and provides a more contextualized analysis of determinants relevant to the Eastern Mediterranean Region, such as migration and conflict, in addition to the social, political and environmental determinants which impact health and well-being throughout the Region.

The Commission has recommended key policy actions to address health inequities and promote social justice and fairness.

Their report covers the following topics: 

• Health inequities in the Eastern Mediterranean Region 
• COVID-19 and health inequalities 
• Conflict and consequences and migration 
• Economic drivers and health equity 
• Culture and society 
• Climate change, the natural environment and health equity 
• Equity in maternal and child health, the early years and education 
• Working lives and health equity 
• Healthy ageing 
• Built environments and health equity 
• Health systems for health equity 
• Governance and taking action to build back fairer.