The Wider Determinants of Health
The social, economic and environmental factors that affect our health and well-being are the wider determinants of health. These factors drive differences, or inequalities, in health and well-being between groups of people. They include:
Influencing the wider determinants of health is one of seven strategic priorities of Public Health Wales. Our long term strategy states that by 2030 we want the people of Wales to have a more equal chance of living a fulfilling life, free from preventable ill health.
The Well-being of Future Generations Act (2015) provides a common framework for addressing the wider determinants of health. Wales has a unique opportunity to improve health through action on these determinants as an influencer nation of the World Health Organisation’s Health Equity Status Report Initiative.
The Wider Determinants of Health Unit
Many teams across Public Health Wales seek to influence the wider determinants of health, locally and nationally. In order to increase our impact and focus, the Wider Determinants of Health Unit was established in 2019 as part of the Health and Wellbeing Directorate. It is a small team of practitioners, coordinators and administrative staff, led by a Public Health Consultant. The team is split across two sites, 2 Capital Quarter in Cardiff and St David’s Park in Carmarthen.
Public Health Network Cymru
The unit is home to Public Health Network Cymru, a network with over 1,500 members across Wales. The network brings together policy, research and practice in public health through events, e-bulletins, and digital channels. It is a resource for all those working in public health, and we recommend that staff of Public Health Wales and partner agencies become members. It is easy to join the network, just visit Public Health Network Cymru. For more information on the PHNC please contact us by email at publichealth.network@wales.nhs.uk
For more information on the Wider Determinants of Health or the Unit please contact us by email at PHW.Determinants@wales.nhs.uk