{"id":25340,"date":"2023-07-21T20:12:10","date_gmt":"2023-07-21T18:12:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humanrightscareers.com\/?p=25340"},"modified":"2025-04-19T03:07:21","modified_gmt":"2025-04-19T01:07:21","slug":"health-equity-101-definitions-examples-learning-opportunities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humanrightscareers.com\/issues\/health-equity-101-definitions-examples-learning-opportunities\/","title":{"rendered":"Health Equity 101: Definitions, Examples, Learning Opportunities"},"content":{"rendered":"

Health equity exists when everyone reaches their full potential for health and well-being. Complete health equality is impossible because everyone\u2019s body and potential are different, but unfair, avoidable, and treatable differences between groups of people must be eliminated before equity exists. This isn\u2019t an easy task, but health is a human right. If countries wish to improve their well-being and health, health equity is essential. In this article, we\u2019ll explore the definitions of health equity, give examples of equity in action, and identify where you can learn more about this important human rights area.<\/p>\n

Health equity eliminates avoidable health differences between groups by increasing healthcare access, improving services, and removing systemic barriers<\/a> related to race, gender, class, and more. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

What is health equity? <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Many documents define health equity, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Constitution of the World Health Organization. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which lists the foundational values of the United Nations, enshrines the right to health in Article 25. It reads<\/a>: \u201cEveryone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The Constitution of the WHO, which came into force the same year as the UDHR in 1948, reaffirms the right to health. There, health is defined as \u201ca state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of the disease or infirmity.\u201d The text goes on to read<\/a>, \u201cThe enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.\u201d<\/p>\n

The UDHR and WHO provide essential frameworks for health and human rights around the world, but they are not legally binding. Their definitions of health equity are just that: definitions. Health equity is only enforceable through legally-binding treaties, laws, or policies.<\/p>\n

What are governments doing to improve health equity? <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Health equity is a multifaceted challenge, but there are many ways to improve healthcare access and health outcomes. We can get a better idea of what health equity looks like by seeing what governments are doing:<\/p>\n

The Medical Aid Program (South Korea)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In 1979, South Korea established the Medical Aid Program, which created a safety net for people who couldn\u2019t afford to pay their medical bills. The program<\/a> has changed over the years. In 2004, it expanded to cover patients with rare, chronic diseases and children under 18. Central and local governments fund the program. Anticipating an aging population who would need caregiving for illnesses like Alzheimer\u2019s and Parkinson\u2019s, the government also established a Long-term Care Insurance program in 2008.<\/p>\n

The Affordable Care Act (United States)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Enacted in 2010, the Affordable Care Act sought to reform the American healthcare system and decrease health disparities. It expanded health insurance coverage, prohibited exclusion based on preexisting conditions, let people stay on their parent\u2019s health insurance plans until age 26, and required most private health insurance plans to cover women\u2019s preventative healthcare. According to a 2020 article in Health Affairs, disparities in coverage decreased<\/a> thanks to the ACA. Coverage increased the most for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic people.<\/p>\n

Close the Gap Campaign (Australia)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In 2007, the Council of Australian Governments set targets to track and assess the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Their goal is to reach health equity within a generation. The campaign<\/a> publishes a report every year reaffirming a strengths-based framework and culturally safe, place-based, and appropriate solutions. Campaign members include the Australian Medical Association, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation, and the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia.<\/p>\n

NHS Long-Term Plan (United Kingdom)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The NHS Long Term Plan began in 2018 and will direct the National Health Service\u2019s approach until 2028. Its goal is to tackle health inequalities<\/a> through a focus on five priority areas, such as preventing digital exclusion, enhancing preventative programs, and strengthening leadership and accountability. With this plan, the NHS hopes to improve equitable access and outcomes.<\/p>\n

Primary Health Care Strategy (New Zealand)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In 2001, the New Zealand government established a healthcare strategy that emphasized primary healthcare as a solution to health inequities. The strategy has five priorities<\/a>, including reducing financial barriers for those with the greatest health need, encouraging multidisciplinary approaches to services, and supporting the development of services by M\u0101ori and Pacific providers.<\/p>\n

What can healthcare organizations do to reduce health inequities? <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Governments play a vital role in improving health equity, but healthcare organizations and medical professionals are important, too. Here are some examples of what they can do:<\/p>\n

Conduct research<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Before addressing disparities, healthcare organizations need to know where the disparities are. With good research methods<\/a>, they can identify disparities in access, healthcare quality, and health outcomes. Good information can help healthcare organizations develop better solutions moving forward.<\/p>\n

Address the social determinants of health<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Social determinants of health are non-medical factors that impact health outcomes, such as income, education, job security, working life conditions, food insecurity, and more. Healthcare organizations can work with community organizations on services like housing assistance, food programs, employment services, and other aid. By addressing the social determinants, healthcare organizations can play a vital role in improving health equity.<\/p>\n

Diversify the medical field<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Diverse workplaces are more productive and successful, and the medical field is no exception. Studies continue to confirm this. In one example, the presence of more Black primary care physicians led to better survival-related outcomes <\/a>for Black people who lived in the area, even if they didn\u2019t see a Black doctor. The mortality rate disparities between Black and white people were reduced.<\/p>\n

Engage the community more<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Many people feel misunderstood and disconnected from their healthcare providers. A lack of trust can also discourage people from seeking care even when it could save their lives. Healthcare organizations must build trust with the communities they serve, tailor their services to the community\u2019s needs, and seek community participation in programs and decision-making.<\/p>\n

Provide culturally competent care<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Culturally-competent healthcare systems meet the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of all their patients. This is especially important as those most in need of improved healthcare and better health outcomes often come from racial and ethnic minorities. When healthcare organizations aren\u2019t culturally competent, patients are more likely to feel unhappy with their care and less likely to return. Diversifying the workplace, having interpreter services on hand, working with community health workers, and understanding cultural values are important steps<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Which health equity efforts do you believe are the most neglected?<\/strong><\/p>