Final answer:
One of the first formal statements about the broader determinants of population health was The Declaration of Alma-Ata in 1978, which emphasized health as a human right and involved the World Health Organization (WHO) in promoting primary health care.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the first formal statements by any western government concerning the broader array of determinants that define the health of a population is The Declaration of Alma-Ata. Presented in 1978, this declaration was a major milestone in public health, identifying the primary health care approach as the key to achieving the goal of 'Health for All'. It emphasized health as a human right and the importance of community involvement in health care decisions.
The Declaration of Alma-Ata emerged from an international conference on primary health care where the World Health Organization (WHO) played a significant role. WHO has been instrumental in setting health goals and monitoring global health trends, such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that targeted key areas like child mortality, maternal health, and infectious diseases.
The WHO's focus on health has evolved since its establishment in 1948, where it contributed to universal declarations and global initiatives to improve health conditions, recognizing numerous factors including diet, lifestyle, and socioeconomic status that impact health.