Quest for Health Equity

This book focuses on the achievement of health equity. It proposes pragmatic, feasible plans to greatly reduce them or perhaps eliminate them. Health is taken here in its most global sense, as defined by the WHO: 'Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity', which includes the achievement of one's full career potential (e.g. equality of opportunity for minorities to become public health professionals). In this book, the author address disparities existing in several populations to include (but not be limited to) low-income, racial and ethnic minorities, women, children, low literacy, disabled, GLBTI, as well as other groups who are victims of health disparities. While the needs of these populations are discussed openly and candidly, the author vigorously fights stereotyping of specific groups. The book will expose the institutionalized, personally-mediated and internalized mechanisms, which cause or perpetuate differences in opportunities, stresses and exposures as well as in health care access and quality. Currently, health disparities represent the most important challenge of public health. This book proposes to unveil often undetected, neglected aspects of health disparities embedded in all aspects of health and healthcare as well as medical research. Concepts are discussed based on critical appraisal of available evidence in current literature. Uncomfortable issues such as racism and discrimination in health and health care are discussed, respectfully but openly. These issues are never easy to talk about; however, being too comfortable often means very little change. Being uncomfortable can be a stimulus for change.