What is Global Health Equity? A Proposed Definition

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Health Equity Studies
• Social Determinants of Health

Background:

• The term "global health equity" lacks a formal, widely accepted definition.
• Increased visibility of the term necessitates a clear conceptual framework.
• Existing discourse often overlooks the structural power dynamics inherent in global health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the definitional gap for "global health equity."
• To propose a formal definition grounded in equitable partnerships and processes.
• To highlight the importance of addressing racism and supremacy in global health.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis and literature review to identify the need for a definition.
• Development of a proposed definition based on key principles.
• Illustrative examples of equitable partnerships and outcomes.

Main Results:

• A proposed definition of global health equity: mutually beneficial and power-balanced partnerships and processes leading to equitable human and environmental health outcomes on a global scale.
• Emphasis on partnerships actively working against racism and supremacy.
• Identification of equitable "products" such as technology access and context-specific interventions.

Conclusions:

• A formal definition of global health equity is crucial for advancing the field.
• Equitable partnerships and processes are essential for achieving global health equity.
• Addressing power imbalances and systemic inequities, including racism, is fundamental to equitable global health outcomes.