Closing the gap in a generation: health equity through action on the social determinants of health. An international conference based on the work of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health, 6—7 November 2008, London

The Commission on Social Determinants of Health (CSDH) was established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2005. Chaired by Sir Michael Marmot of University College London (UCL) the Commission was comprised of 20 members including a former head of state, academics and those working in the non-governmental sector. The Commission was an independent inquiry to understand the social and environmental issues that affect health and to investigate the appropriate actions that could bring greater health equity. Through setting up an innovative global hub and Knowledge Network mechanism, the Commission collected evidence and fostered leadership and policy in the following nine fields: