Purpose

This report provides evidence that health inequities can, and need to be, addressed through a holistic approach.

It contains a number of case studies from Egypt, Bangladesh, Malawi, Ecuador, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Austria.

Overview

• Health inequities, and the resulting social injustice, are closely linked with other issues such as poverty, gender inequality and human rights violations which, in turn, have an impact on education, transport, health, agriculture, and overall well-being. Interventions should therefore be multi-sectoral, going beyond health to address social and economic determinants such as malnutrition, alcohol abuse, poor housing, indoor air pollution and poverty.
• Women and children are the focus of attention for three reasons: 1. Women are more likely to face health inequities because their biological make-up demands more care. Pregnancy and childbirth are life events that expose women to greater risks; 2. Women are the gateway to improving the health of an entire population, starting with their children and members of their households; 3. The burden of caring for sick children and the elderly mainly falls on mothers and other female carers.

Usage: Learning from experience

Audiences: Technical staff