This report analyzes why policies and interventions to address the social determinants of health and health inequities succeed or fail. It also discusses important features of governance and systems for service delivery that increase the likelihood of success in reducing inequities. The report presents a systems checklist for governing for health equity as a whole-of-government approach. This is intended for further discussion and as a framework to support countries in strengthening their governance for health equity in practice, through action on the social determinants of health.