Equity in health from social determinants of health's point of view

ABSTRACT

Health, as a public good, and equity in health, as a moral concept are considered as human right. Equity in health is defined as lack of systematic discrepancies in health or social determinants of health among different groups of a community. Social justice is considered as a matter of life and death. It is believe that inappropriate distribution of health services is one of the major determinants of individuals' health situation. But, living in poor and unequal status, which is the results of a combination of unsuitable social policies, unfair economic position, and poor politics, could also effect on the individuals health condition. To meet the equity in health, health systems should determine social determinant of health. In fact, the equity would be afforded by action on the social determinants of health. Besides, there are three principles of action consisting of "improve people's daily living conditions", "tackle the inequitable distribution of power, money, and resources", and "measure and understand the problem and assess the impact of action" which help to achieve the goal. In addition, participation of other organizations with health systems should also be attracted.