Addressing social determinants of health: reopen the debate and the implications for the health and overall well-being of Colombian people

Abstract

Colombia, with around 50 million inhabitants, is among the countries in the Americas region and the world with the biggest gap between individuals and/or population groups seated at the top (wealthier individuals) and those placed on the bottom of the social and wealth ladder (4). This situation reflects the disparities and inequalities in the Colombian context, which involves not only the economic dimension but also other life dimensions such as educational, social participation, and access to physical and natural resources (5). The country has also experienced significant socio-demographic and epidemiological changes in the last decades. Firstly, there is the demographic transition, with a decrease of the fertility rate from four children in 1980 to less than two children in 2017, and a rise of life expectancy from 65 to 75 years in the last 35 years (6), which has resulted in rapid ageing of the population.