The latest WHO guidance on intersectoral monitoring for health reiterates the need for countries to develop a combination of targeted and universal policies across areas such as social affairs, urban planning, urban transport, education, work and the environment. 

Roughly 80% of population health is affected by the external circumstances and conditions in which people live, work and age. These are largely shaped by policies outside the health sector and are influenced by various factors beyond age, genetic makeup and access to health care. 

The new guidance provides a summary of different forms of intersectoral monitoring, and outlines relevant indicators, tools, barriers, analytical approaches and frameworks.