Some of the main ‘determinants of health’ include:
Where you live: is there clean and safe water and air? Is housing safe and not overcrowded? Is there good sanitation? What are levels of crime like? How safe are roads? Are there jobs with decent working conditions?
Genetics: have you inherited greater likelihood of certain illnesses? How do you cope with stress?
Income: unsurprisingly, higher income is linked with better health.
Nutrition: can you regularly eat enough healthy food?
Education: going to school can improve many other determinants of health.
Relationships with friends and family: better support networks are linked with better health.
Gender: men and women face different diseases at different ages. In many countries women also face many extra challenges that affect their health.
Culture: customs, traditions and beliefs can all affect health for better or worse.
Social status and social exclusion: people who are excluded, or on the margins of society have worse health chances.
Access to and use of health services: are services available nearby to prevent and treat poor health?
Personal behaviours: What do you eat? How much exercise do you do? Do you smoke or drink?
All these health determinants interact to create a complex set of health dynamics. But reducing poverty, providing livelihoods, increasing access to education and promoting gender equality are key parts of the puzzle.