The recently launched World Report on the Social Determinants of Health Equity, by the World Health Organisation (WHO, 2025), paints a stark picture of the differences in ill-health, poor well-being, disease and mortality within and between countries, that arise from unfair and avoidable social conditions.

This comprehensive report was requested by resolution at the World Health Assembly in 2021, attended by 194 member states. The report reflects on progress since the WHO Commission on the Social Determinants of Health (2008) recommended action to improve daily living conditions; tackle inequitable distributions of power, money and resources; and to measure and understand persistent inequities and assess the impact of current action.

Sadly, the 2025 WHO reports that insufficient progress has been made over the past 17 years. Some profound inequities within Australia are referenced in the new World Report:

The Report also highlights the important efforts........

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