Global Health Equity Requires Global Equity

Abstract

Many global health challenges are characterized by the inequitable patterning of their health and economic consequences, which are etched along the lines of pre-existing inequalities in resources, power, and opportunity. These links require us to reconsider how we define global health equity, and what we consider as most consequential in its pursuit. In this article, we discuss the extent to which improving underlying global equity is an essential prerequisite to global health equity. We conclude that if we are to improve global health equity, there is a need to focus more on foundational—rather than proximal—causes of ill health and propose ways in which this can be achieved.

Neurological disorders in pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries—Management gaps, impacts, and future prospects: A review perspective

“…HICs bear a profound historical responsibility to extend aid, resources, and knowledge to LMICs. 46 Yet, when examining the management of NDPs as a case study, the tangible contribution of HICs to address these imbalances has been notably sparse.…”

Data to Improve Global Health Equity—Key Challenges

“…There is a growing academic literature that makes these points compellingly. [1][2][3][4] There also is growing work from civil society, and even from less expected places such as the World Economic Forum, that have made the achievement of global health equity an important near-term aspiration.Second, closing global health gaps is an enormous task, one for which there are no easy quick wins and one that will only be achieved over time with concerted efforts on multiple fronts. This point stands on the observation that global health gaps are largely driven by the social determinants of health (SDOH)-the conditions in which people live, grow, learn, work, play, and age-and the role that they play in shaping the health of individuals and populations.…”

“…There is a growing academic literature that makes these points compellingly. [1][2][3][4] There also is growing work from civil society, and even from less expected places such as the World Economic Forum, that have made the achievement of global health equity an important near-term aspiration.…”

“…The life expectancy gap between high-income and low-income countries, which can be as great as a 30-year difference, is unacceptable. There is a growing academic literature that makes these points compellingly . There also is growing work from civil society, and even from less expected places such as the World Economic Forum, that have made the achievement of global health equity an important near-term aspiration.…”