Health Equity

Introduction

Health equity refers to the study and causes of differences in the quality of health and healthcare across different populations. Health equity is different from health equality, as it refers only to the absence of disparities in controllable or remediable aspects of health. It is not possible to work towards health equity without also applying the principles of social justice.

Definition and Concept

Health equity is rooted in a series of social rights and denotes a shift in the way we understand health and well-being, from a purely medical or individual concern to a complex social issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health equity as "the absence of avoidable, unfair, or remediable differences among groups of people, whether those groups are defined socially, economically, demographically or geographically or by other means of stratification." Health disparities or health inequalities, are types of unfair health differences closely linked with social, economic, or environmental disadvantages, which adversely affect groups of people.

Historical Background

The concept of health equity stems from a recognition that there are gross disparities in health status in different countries and within countries. These disparities have been observed and studied since the 18th century. The term "health equity" was coined in the late 20th century and has been used in public health literature to describe efforts to reduce disparities in health and its determinants that adversely affect excluded or marginalized groups.

Health Disparities and Inequities

Health disparities are the inequalities that occur in the provision of healthcare and access to healthcare across different racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and socioeconomic groups. Health inequities, on the other hand, are differences in health that are not only unnecessary and avoidable but, in addition, are considered unfair and unjust. Health inequities are rooted in social injustices that make some population groups more vulnerable to poor health than other groups.

Social Determinants of Health

The social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. These circumstances are shaped by the distribution of money, power and resources at global, national and local levels. The social determinants of health are mostly responsible for health inequities - the unfair and avoidable differences in health status seen within and between countries.

Health Equity in Practice

In practice, health equity is thought to be multidimensional and to encompass a wide range of sectors, including education, housing, transportation, employment, and healthcare services. It involves the fair distribution of resources needed for health, fair access to the opportunities available for achieving and maintaining health, and fairness in the social structures and policies that drive health disparities.

Strategies for Achieving Health Equity

Achieving health equity requires the removal of obstacles to health such as poverty, discrimination, and their consequences, including powerlessness and lack of access to good jobs with fair pay, quality education and housing, safe environments, and healthcare. For the purposes of measurement, health disparities can be categorized as one of three types: disparities in health care, disparities in health status, and disparities in social determinants of health.

Challenges in Achieving Health Equity

There are several challenges in achieving health equity, including the complexity of identifying and measuring disparities, the multifactorial nature of health disparities, and the need for comprehensive and coordinated approaches. Additionally, there are challenges related to the social determinants of health, which are often outside the control of the health sector.

Conclusion

Health equity is an important aspect of a comprehensive understanding of health and wellbeing. Achieving health equity requires addressing social determinants of health, and it requires the efforts of society as a whole to ensure equal opportunity for health. While there are challenges in achieving health equity, it remains an important goal for public health and for society as a whole.