Lancet Series on CDOH

We all want a world in which the health of people and the planet are higher priorities than profit. Commercial actors – ranging from small locally-owned businesses to major corporations and financial organisations – influence people’s health and wellbeing in varied and complex ways. Some play a positive role in society, providing fair access to goods and services necessary for health, such as nutritious food, and quality healthcare, medicine and housing. 

However, some commercial actors’ products and practices are responsible for escalating levels of preventable ill health, social and health inequity, and environmental damage. 

And the public is often bearing the costs of the damage – both financially and physically in terms of our planet and health. While policy solutions exist, they’re not currently being implemented and health harms are escalating, leaving healthcare systems increasingly unable to cope.  

The Lancet Series on the commercial determinants of health (CDOH) sets out what can be done to protect the wellbeing of our community. 

The Lancet Series on CDOH 

The Lancet Series explores how different commercial forces impact the health of people, the planet and health equity alongside recommendations for change. The Series is made up of 3 papers: 

1. Defining and conceptualising the commercial determinants of health. 
2. Conceptualising commercial entities in public health: beyond unhealthy commodities and transnational corporations. 
3. Commercial determinants of health: Where to from here? 

Want to go straight to the Series papers?

How to take action today 

Together we can create systems and policies that prioritise health, wellbeing and equity. How, you ask? Read the policy briefs outlining key takeaways and exactly what actions you can take. Here’s what you need to know if you’re a:

But first, a quick look at the Commercial Determinants of Health... 

The commercial determinants of health are defined as “the systems, practices and pathways through which commercial actors drive human health and equity”. This deliberately broad definition recognises that commercial actors and their products make both positive and negative contributions to health.  

Want more information? Read the summary report or the full papers. 

The solutions

Addressing commercial determinants of health and health inequities requires a global rebalancing of power. One that prioritises public interests over commercial profit. Achieving this requires coordinated efforts from multiple stakeholder groups: 

• States and international organisations must change policy systems and incentivise investment in business models that are essential for health, equity and sustainability.  
• Commercial actors must end opposition to health regulatory policies; respect regulations to reduce harmful practices and products; and implement regenerative business models.  
• Civil society groups must raise their collective voice, share alternative visions and hold commercial actors and governments accountable.  
• Academia and researchers must provide evidence that is fit for purpose and presented in the right way, at the right time, and to the right audiences.  
• Health actors need to move away from relying solely on the biomedical model of health and start engaging other factors like influential trade, finance and business actors. 

With thanks to The Lancet  Series authors, partners - including The Lancet, Australian National University, SPECTRUM, The University of Bath and The University of Melbourne - and the many individuals who contributed to this body of work. 

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