Understanding Global Health Inequality and Inequity: Causes, Consequences, and the Path Toward Justice in Healthcare

Health inequality and inequity persist as pressing global challenges that disproportionately affect populations in low- and middle-income countries. These disparities are driven by complex and interrelated factors, including socioeconomic deprivation, educational barriers, commercial determinants of health, inadequate governance structures, and systemic failures in resource allocation.

This study seeks to critically examine the multifactorial causes of global health inequality and inequity, assess their wide-ranging consequences on population health, and propose ethically grounded strategies for promoting equity and justice within global healthcare systems.

A rapid review approach was used to examine global health inequality and inequity. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Research Rabbit using key terms such as "global health inequality," "health equity in global health policy," and "healthcare disparities across countries." The literature was selected on the basis of its relevance to structural determinants and systemic patterns of health disparities across countries with varying income levels. The analysis identified recurring themes related to the drivers of inequity and potential pathways toward healthcare systems while acknowledging the limitations inherent in rapid review methodologies, including possible language and selection biases.

The findings highlight that structural determinants, such as poverty, educational and gender disparities, environmental degradation, conflict, and unequal allocation of health resources, serve as primary contributors to global health inequities. These factors result in disproportionate disease burden, limited access to essential services, and increased mortality rates in disadvantaged populations.

Addressing global health inequity requires a transformative, ethically grounded framework that emphasizes justice, solidarity, and equity. Key actions include redistributive policy reforms, strengthened health systems in resource-limited settings, and the decolonization of global health governance. These measures are fundamental for realizing the right to health and achieving meaningful global health justice.