Abstract

HERNANDEZ MUNOZ, Tulia. Actions on social determinants of health in Venezuela. Rev Cubana Salud Pública [online]. 2010, vol.36, n.4, pp. 366-371. ISSN 1561-3127.

From the perspective of the population, the health system and the sectoral and intersectoral actions, a review was made of the advances and challenges found in the interventions on the social determinants of health in Venezuela, which were analyzed according to the WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health model to evaluate health inequalities based on the recommendations of this commission. Examples of health and non-health actions that are being taken in the country were given. These actions were aimed at encouraging public policies to decrease differential exposure and vulnerability to social determinants of health, for the purpose of reducing inequities. These actions were listed by health policy modality based on equity and social justice principles. The challenges in specific areas such as traffic accidents and violent events, environmental protection and occupational health were shown. Nevertheless, closing gaps in health and achieving better and expedite results demand to strengthen the technical capabilities of human resources, to make greater efforts to reduce corruption and red tape in the health-unrelated sphere, and to accomplish, at healthcare level, the allocation of necessary resources and the definition of need-linked programs.

Keywords : Social determinants of health; intervention policies; Venezuela.

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