Equity in Health

Equity in health is grounded in the principles of justice, fairness, and human rights. It is common to identify two principles of equity in health: horizontal equity and vertical equity. Horizontal equity requires that those with equal needs be treated equally. Vertical equity requires that persons in different situations are treated differently but fairly. Much of the research on equity in health is focused on disparities in health status and well-being across socioeconomic groupings. Various factors have been identified as propelling health inequities, including economic inequities, disparities in geographical dispersion of health facilities and services, and the direct and indirect costs associated with accessing these services.