Prioritizing Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. Health Equity Agenda

Area of Science:

• Health Equity
• Medical Education
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) populations are a rapidly growing demographic in the U.S.
• These communities remain understudied, overlooked, and misunderstood, facing historical and resurgent anti-Asian bias and xenophobic violence.
• The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing inequities and highlighted the urgent need to address AANHPI health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the critical role of medical schools in combating anti-Asian sentiment.
• To offer actionable suggestions for disrupting the invisibility and exclusion faced by AANHPI populations.
• To advocate for strategies that promote health equity for AANHPI communities.

Main Methods:

• This commentary synthesizes expertise in health disparities research, medical education, and policy.
• It analyzes the systemic factors contributing to AANHPI health disparities.
• It proposes solutions centered on data, leadership, funding, policy, and partnerships.

Main Results:

• Medical schools are pivotal in addressing anti-Asian bias and promoting health equity.
• Systemic changes are necessary to overcome AANHPI invisibility and exclusion.
• Specific interventions include representative data collection, educational leadership, targeted research funding, supportive national policies, and collaborative partnerships.

Conclusions:

• Combating anti-Asian sentiment within medical education is essential for achieving health equity.
• Addressing AANHPI health disparities requires a multi-faceted approach involving data, leadership, policy, and collaboration.
• Transformative changes in medical education and policy are needed to ensure equitable health outcomes for all populations.