santé

Santé is the French word for health, referring to the state of physical, mental and social well-being rather than merely the absence of disease. The concept guides medical practice, public health, and everyday life. The term aligns with the World Health Organization’s broad view of health as a positive condition that includes social and functional aspects, not just medical ones.

Etymology and usage: Santé derives from Latin sanitas, passed into Old French as santé and eventually modern French. In everyday French, santé is also used in toasts, as in à votre santé (to your health). In professional contexts, it appears in compound terms such as santé publique (public health), santé mentale (mental health), and santé au travail (occupational health).

Public health and health systems: Public health seeks to prevent illness, promote well-being, and protect populations through vaccination, surveillance, health education, and preventive services. Health systems organize the delivery and financing of care, with many countries pursuing universal health coverage and policies aimed at reducing health disparities and improving outcomes.

Social determinants and policy: Health outcomes are shaped by factors including income, education, housing, environment, and social support. Contemporary discussions of santé emphasize equity in access to care, the integration of clinical and social approaches to health, and the sustainability of health systems within national and international policy contexts.