Assignment task: Respond to the comment below and ask one question to further the conversation.
Health disparities persist as a critical public health challenge both in the United States and globally. These disparities often based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geography, and access to care undermine the effectiveness, equity, and sustainability of healthcare systems. In the United States, significant health disparities are evident across multiple populations. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2017), racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with low income, and those living in rural areas consistently experience worse health outcomes compared to their more advantaged counterparts. These disparities manifest in higher rates of chronic conditions, maternal and infant mortality, and reduced life expectancy. One particularly alarming disparity is that African Americans have higher mortality rates from preventable and treatable conditions, despite representing a smaller share of the total population. Globally, similar inequities persist, though they vary in form and intensity. A comparative analysis of health disparities across 11 high-income countries by MacKinnon et al. (2023) found that the United States had the highest rate of avoidable mortality and the lowest access to primary care. Countries such as Norway and the Netherlands, which invest more in social services and emphasize universal healthcare, report significantly better health outcomes and fewer disparities. Furthermore, the Commonwealth Fund (2023) highlights that the U.S. spends far more on healthcare than any other nation but lags in access, efficiency, and equity, especially for vulnerable populations. Among the most pressing healthcare issues in the U.S. and abroad is the affordability and accessibility of care. In the U.S., high out-of-pocket costs deter people from seeking care, contributing to untreated illnesses and poorer outcomes (Ndugga & Artiga, 2021). Globally, while some nations offer universal coverage, gaps in service delivery and resource allocation still create inequities, particularly in marginalized or indigenous communities. Another urgent issue is the need to address structural and social determinants of health, such as education, housing, employment, and systemic racism. These upstream factors have a profound influence on health outcomes and are central to advancing health equity (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2017).
In conclusion, tackling health disparities requires a multifaceted approach that includes policy reform, community-based interventions, and a global commitment to health equity. As countries look to improve outcomes, the emphasis should not only be on healthcare systems but also on the broader social and economic contexts that shape health. Need Assignment Help?
References:
Commonwealth Fund. (2023, January). U.S. health care from a global perspective, 2022: Accelerating spending, worsening outcomes.
MacKinnon, N. J., Emery, V., Waller, J., Ange, B., Ambade, P., Gunja, M., & Watson, E. (2023). Mapping health disparities in 11 high-income nations. JAMA Network Open, 6(7), e2322310.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Committee on Community-Based Solutions to Promote Health Equity in the United States; Baciu, A., Negussie, Y., Geller, A., et al. (Eds.). (2017). Communities in action: Pathways to health equity. National Academies Press.
Ndugga, N., & Artiga, S. (2021, May 11). Disparities in health and health care: 5 key questions and answers. KFF.