Paid Parental Leave research cited in World Health Organization's (WHO) 'World report on social determinants of health equity'

Purpose of research project *

Our published research on the maternal mental health impacts of paid parental leave (Bilgrami et al., 2020 in Health Economics) was cited in WHO's 'World report on social determinants of health equity' (citation 567).

Who has, is or will benefit *

WHO's World report aims to
"present evidence-based strategies and policy recommendations to guide governments, civil society and international organizations in creating just and equitable health systems. Drawing on evidence, examples and country case studies from around the world, it illustrates the positive impacts of interventions that address social determinants – whether through universal access to health and social protection, fair labour practices or inclusive education."
(Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization, 6 May 2025 - quoted from report Foreword)

Description of impact *

This research has fed into an evidence base underpinning WHO’s recommendations to countries. This particular report was requested by the World Health Assembly (WHA74.16), the top governing body of WHO, with weight and visibility across governments, global health agencies, and health leaders.

The research feeds into the report's recommendation (3.4) to:
"Build and expand paid leave benefits for sickness and parental leave, including for the precariously employed and informal workers."

Impact date	6 May 2025
Category of impact	Society impacts, Policy impacts, Health impacts
Impact level	Emerging (pre)