This review provides guidance on what is possible and what works, to be considered within the specific circumstances and settings of individual countries. Its recommendations are practical and focused. One response to addressing health inequities open to all is to ensure universal coverage of health care. Another is to focus on behaviour – smoking, diet and alcohol – that cause much of these health inequities but are also socially determined. The review endorses both these responses. But the review recommendations extend further – to the causes of the causes: the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age and inequities in power, money and resources that give rise to them.