title: The capability approach: a guiding framework to improve population health and the attainment of the Sustainable Developmental Goals.
abstract: The world is progressing in terms of communication, innovative technology and cure of various diseases through advanced pharmacological preparations. Unfortunately, populations are still struggling with ill-health, disabilities, poverty, hunger, inequality, gender disparities and conflicts. Several questions come to mind in this regard: why are prosperity, health, peace and progress not evenly distributed and what is the best approach to address the issues associated with population health? The capability approach may offer a possible model. This approach is a blend of 5 key concepts: capabilities, functioning, agency, endowment, and conversion factors. It proposes an innovative approach to examine and enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of individuals. This reflective paper provides an overview of the capability approach, critically analyses population health from the theoretical lens of the capability approach and highlights the relevance of this approach to achieving the Sustainable Developmental Goals.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Shela Akbar Ali
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Hirani
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Solina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Richter
mesh_terms: D057191:Capacity Building; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D006304:Health Status; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D011203:Poverty