Unveiling Health Inequities: A Call to Action

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Ana Teresa Leitão, a 5th-year Medical Student at NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas in Lisbon, Portugal. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Health is a fundamental human right and, throughout the past decades, we have assisted an increasing recognition of the pervasive inequalities influencing global health conditions. 

In 2005, the World Health Organisation (WHO) established the Commission on Social Determinants of Health, to assess and propose solutions to mitigate health disparities among society. When analysing health disparities, it is essential to consider several socioeconomical determinants, such as education level, access to healthcare services and income inequality, which impact the person’s well-being and contribute to unequal health outcomes.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in private expenditures on healthcare, despite the acknowledgment of the importance of universal access to healthcare. The financial crises experienced in several regions resulted in budget cuts in health financing and accelerated privatization efforts, which, consequently, decreased the quality of healthcare services exacerbating barriers to access, especially for the most vulnerable groups.

Therefore, building a more equitable world is imperative to address these persisting disparities. Despite the growing interest in this topic, the incorporation of innovative strategies into public policies has encountered significant limitations. The endeavor to close these disparities in health equity requires a comprehensive and multidimensional approach that encompasses multiple sectors within society. To effectively tackle this issue, it is relevant to adopt inclusive strategies which prioritise preventive healthcare and ensure equitable access to essential services, as well as empowering communities through education, fostering economic growth and a fair distribution of resources. Furthermore, fostering collaboration among governments, international organisations, civil society and the private sector is pivotal in formulating and implementing policies to tackle health disparities and reshape the healthcare landscape.

In conclusion, the persistence of health inequalities globally reflects the repercussions of socioeconomic crises. Therefore, it is crucial to implement policies that promote health equity universally, advocating towards a multisectoral and global approach.

About the author

Ana Teresa Leitão ís a 5th-year Medical Student at NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas in Lisbon, Portugal. Her journey in Medicine has been enriched by a spectrum of experiences, spanning local, national and international arenas in fields such as Medical Science, External Affairs and Youth Engagement, having been able to cultivate a deep understanding of healthcare challenges and striving to make a positive impact in society.

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