Health equity

Health equity arises from access to the social determinants of health, specifically from wealth, power and prestige.^[1] Individuals who have consistently been deprived of these three determinants are significantly disadvantaged from health inequities, and face worse health outcomes than those who are able to access certain resources.^[1][2][3] It is not equity to simply provide every individual with the same resources; that would be equality. In order to achieve health equity, resources must be allocated based on an individual need-based principle.^[1]

According to the World Health Organization, "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity".^[4] The quality of health and how health is distributed among economic and social status in a society can provide insight into the level of development within that society.^[5] Health is a basic human right and human need, and all human rights are interconnected. Thus, health must be discussed along with all other basic human rights.^[6]

Health equity is defined by the CDC as "the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health".^[7] It is closely associated with the social justice movement, with good health considered a fundamental human right. These inequities may include differences in the "presence of disease, health outcomes, or access to health care"^[8]: 3 between populations with a different race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status.^[9][10]

Health inequity differs from health inequality in that the latter term is used in a number of countries to refer to those instances whereby the health of two demographic groups (not necessarily ethnic or racial groups) differs despite similar access to health care services. It can be further described as differences in health that are avoidable, unfair, and unjust, and cannot be explained by natural causes, such as biology, or differences in choice.^[11] Thus, if one population dies younger than another because of genetic differences, which is a non-remediable/controllable factor, the situation would be classified as a health inequality. Conversely, if a population has a lower life expectancy due to lack of access to medications, the situation would be classified as a health inequity.^[12] These inequities may include differences in the "presence of disease, health outcomes, or access to health care". Although, it is important to recognize the difference in health equity and equality, as having equality in health is essential to begin achieving health equity.^[6] The importance of equitable access to healthcare has been cited as crucial to achieving many of the Millennium Development Goals.^[13]