Social determinants of health can be summarized under five essential conditions that need to be at adequate levels in order for people to live healthy lives: health services; income security and social protection; living conditions; social and human capital; and employment and working conditions. There is a need for a common vision across the UN on the importance of social protection as one of the most important social determinant of health, and on its health equity impacts. Furthermore, social protection policies across the life course are a strong contribution to a more equal society and are investments in the necessary conditions to enable all people to prosper and flourish in life and health.