What are health disparities and health equity? We need to be clear
- PMID: 24385658
- PMCID: PMC3863701
- DOI: 10.1177/00333549141291S203
What are health disparities and health equity? We need to be clear
Abstract
"Health disparities" and "health equity" have become increasingly familiar terms in public health, but rarely are they defined explicitly. Ambiguity in the definitions of these terms could lead to misdirection of resources. This article discusses the need for greater clarity about the concepts of health disparities and health equity, proposes definitions, and explains the rationale based on principles from the fields of ethics and human rights.
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- World Health Organization, Commission on Social Determinants of Health. Geneva: WHO; 2008. Closing the gap in a generation: health equity through action on the social determinants of health. CSDH final report. - PubMed
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