The Transformative Potential of Strategic Partnerships to Form a Health Equity Network of the Americas

Ethn Dis. 2019 Feb 21;29(Suppl 1):153-158. doi: 10.18865/ed.29.S1.153. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Health inequities across the Americas are avoidable and unjust yet continue to persist. Systemic social determinants of health, which could be addressed at the policy level, are root causes of many inequities and prevent marginalized individuals and at-risk populations from reaching optimal health and well-being. In this article, we describe our approach to promote health equity through the intersectoral partnerships that were forged, and strategies that were shared, during the convening entitled "Summit 2017: Health Equity in the Americas" and the resulting emergence of the Health Equity Network of the Americas (HENA). We illustrate how this international network will raise awareness of policies and programs to inform decision makers about actions they can take to put an end to the unjust, persistent and mostly avoidable health inequities facing the Americas today.

Keywords: Americas; Health Disparities; Health Equity; Intersectoral Partnerships; Latin America; Network; Social Determinants of Health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Health Equity / organization & administration*
  • Health Status Disparities
  • Humans
  • Intersectoral Collaboration
  • Latin America
  • Policy Making
  • Quality Improvement
  • Social Determinants of Health / standards