Health and rurality in Colombia: an analysis from the standpoint of the social determinants of health

Abstract

The concept of health has undergone a number of transformations. Today, the concept of social determinants of health is promoted globally; for this reason, different countries have included it in their health-related public policies. Colombia has embraced this concept in both the national development program and the decennial public policy health program. Furthermore, the concept of rurality has changed as well, which in turn influences the governmental plans and decisions affecting communities. The research described in this paper focused on reviewing rurality and health system access in Colombia together with the rural development proposals expressed in different government plans. The objective of this work is to reflect on two issues: i) is it possible to maintain a security health system like the sgsss in the rural areas of Colombia? ii) Can this health care system address the effects on life conditions and the differences in terms of basic social needs? Finally, this document aims to propose new research and approaches to think about the rural context and its relationship with health.