Equity in decline: fair distribution in a worse-off world

Abstract: In 1948, with the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), equity was globally recognised as integral to human wellbeing. In the decades that have followed, advances were made worldwide in health and wellbeing with substantial reductions in extreme poverty and improvements in life expectancy and other health and social outcomes. Unfortunately, this progress coexists with persistent socioeconomic disparities within and between countries. In 2015, all the member states of the UN pledged to “leave no one behind” with the Sustainable Development Goals, furthering their commitments to a fairer world, and ensuring that as socioeconomic advantages of development accrue, those who are poor and marginalised could receive a greater share of the benefits of growth. Yet worsening and often intersecting global crises during the 21st century, including global warming, ecological crisis, conflict, violence, and shortages of essentials such as food and water, presage a potential sustained decline in human health and wellbeing. These threats, combined with social and political fragmentation in some settings, and increasing inequalities globally and within countries, could render obsolete conventional strategies towards an equitable world.

Author(s): Daniel D Reidpath, Sofia Gruskin, Rajat Khosla, Arek Dakessian and Pascale Allotey

Date Published: 28th June 2023

Depositing User: Tyanna Lewis

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01304-1

Keywords: Equity, Fair distribution, Global health, Resource allocation, Ethical policy

Pages: 943 – 945

Place of publication: London, United Kingdom

Publication title: Equity in decline: fair distribution in a worse-off world

Publisher: Elsevier Ltd

Subject(s): Health equity

Type of publication: Journal article