Abstract

Between and within countries, disadvantaged people are the most affected by health risks globally. Underweight, micronutrients deficiency, lack of hygiene, unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, work and road accidents, violence and sex abuse, are clearly more prevalent among children, women, elderly, poor and less educated people, workers with low occupations, and other discriminated groups on the basis of ethnicity, culture, religion, and other. More globally, under nutrition, overweight, blood pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, low fruits and vegetables intake, physical inactivity, unsafe sex, work injuries, road accidents, violence and environmental hazards constitute important health risks which illustrate the link between social determinants, health equity and development. Millions of deaths and tens of millions of disability years can be saved by tackling these factors worldwide in general and in developing countries in particular.