Description
Some people are healthier than others. When differences in health are because of reasons that are systemic, patterned, unfair, unjust and actionable, those differences are called health inequities. Equity involves trying to understand what populations and communities need to enjoy full, healthy lives. In contrast, equality aims to ensure that everyone gets the same things. In other words, programs and services based on the concept of equality assume that everyone has the same health status and needs, while equity focused initiatives take into consideration that certain groups face greater social, economic and environmental barriers that result in poor health.
Are you meeting the needs of all the populations with your program? Conducting an HEIA on a program, policy, service or initiative can help organizations identify potential unintended impacts and identify strategies to maximize the positive and minimize the negative impacts. Learn more in this resource.
See also:
Seeing the Unseen: An introduction to Health Equity Impact Assessment
Health Equity Impact Assessment: Planning for a successful HEIA