What is the primary meaning of health equity?

The primary meaning of health equity focuses on the principle of fairness in health access and outcomes, particularly considering individuals' varying needs. It's about ensuring that resources and healthcare are allocated based on specific health requirements rather than treating everyone the same way regardless of their circumstances. This approach recognizes that social determinants of health—such as socioeconomic status, geography, and ethnicity—can lead to different health outcomes and barriers to care.

Thus, health equity emphasizes the importance of addressing these disparities by tailoring healthcare delivery and policies to meet the unique needs of different populations. It is not solely about equal access or universal coverage; instead, it comprehensively looks at how to achieve optimal health outcomes for diverse groups by recognizing and addressing their specific challenges. This nuanced understanding helps drive public health interventions aimed at reducing inequalities and improving health outcomes across various demographics.