In 2022, World Health Day was celebrated on 7 April with the theme ‘Our Planet, Our Health’. The theme challenges us to look at health as an outcome of factors like the environment, economy, and equitable access to clean air, water and food. This means looking beyond hospitals and doctors to understand the complex social, political and economic causes underlying global health issues. Joining us to discuss why we cannot ignore social inequities when addressing global health is Dr David McCoy, Research Lead of UNU-IIGH, and a public health doctor.