Health isn't just about biology and personal choices; it's impacted by a variety of social, economic, environmental, and personal factors. These factors are known as the determinants of health and they're used to develop policies and interventions to address health disparities in different communities.

Social determinants of health: These include your physical and social environment, and your access to health services. For instance, living in a safe neighborhood with accessible healthcare can contribute positively to your health.

Personal determinants of health: These include individual behavior and genetics. For example, if you've inherited a genetic condition, this can influence your health regardless of your environment or lifestyle.

Scientists usually agree that there are five key determinants of a population's health:

• Social environment
• Physical environment
• Health services
• Biology/Genetics
• Individual behavior

Imagine the five determinants like different ingredients in a smoothie; each one adds to the overall flavor (or health status) and if you're missing an ingredient, it changes the final product.

The world is undergoing significant changes that are leading to new health challenges. Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO, outlined these in February 2017.