Many different biological, psychological and social aspects of life determine the health status of populations. From these different aspects, health inequalities can arise. If these inequalities are avoidable and unfair, they must be considered unacceptable health inequities.
\r\nThe unequal distribution of power, money, and resources within and between countries, the damage to the natural environment, and political and armed conflict are structural drivers of inequities in the conditions of daily life and the source of health inequities along the social gradient[i].
\r\nLatin America stands as one of the world’s most unequal regions, with the top 10% of the income distribution capturing 54% of the average national income. The US shows a rise in the concentration of incomes unseen in other rich nations. The top 10% increase from 34% to 45% between 1980 and 2019[ii].
\r\nIn the context of the covid-19 pandemic, social and health inequities became more prominent. Actually, disadvantaged and marginalized populations are more at risk to become infected and, when infected, they are more likely to evolve to severe cases and deaths as they suffer disproportionately higher rates of chronic diseases, obesity and malnutrition. They are also less likely to have access, if any, to testing, treatment, and vaccines.
\r\nThe Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has been very active in supporting and guiding its Member States in adopting all measures to address the pandemic under the lens of the principle of equity in health. Likewise, civil society organizations such as national public health associations and the Alliance of Public Health Associations of the Americas (APHAA) have struggled to promote an equity-based approach to fighting the pandemic.
\r\nIn this sense, the Wellness Week is a good opportunity to bring together public health professionals and all those interested in health issues to share experiences and discuss the success and challenges of addressing health inequities in the context of the covid-19 pandemic in the Region of the Americas. This session will present information on the current situation and actions taken to address covid-19 while fighting inequities. There will be an emphasis on the regional leadership role of PAHO and APHAA, and the leadership role of the Public Health Associations.
\r\n[i] Pan American Health Organization. Just Societies: Health Equity and Dignified Lives - Report of the Commission of the Pan American Health Organization on Equity and Health Inequalities in the Americas. Washington DC: Pan American Health Organization; 2019.
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