Social determinants of health are responsible for a large proportion of disease which
disproportionately affects deprived population groups, resulting in striking disparities in life
expectancy and quality of life. Even systems with universal access to healthcare (such as the
UK's NHS) can only mitigate some consequences of health inequalities. Instead substantial
societal measures are required both to reduce harmful exposures and to improve standards
of housing, education, work, nutrition and exercise. The case for such measures is widely …