Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health in the Asia-Pacific
摘要
This chapter explores the intricate relationship between health equity and social determinants of health (SDH) in the Asia-Pacific region. Health equity, defined as the fair and just opportunity for all individuals to achieve optimal health, remains a pressing challenge due to the region’s socioeconomic, cultural, and geographic diversity. The chapter provides an in-depth examination of core social determinants, including income, education, physical environment, employment, social support networks, and access to healthcare services. These factors are analyzed in the context of their role in driving health disparities across countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Indonesia. The impact of these determinants on specific health outcomes, such as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), communicable diseases, and mental health, is further explored, highlighting the significant burden they place on marginalized populations. This chapter also discusses the various health disparities in the region—income-based, gender-based, geographic, and ethnic—emphasizing the challenges faced by vulnerable groups like rural populations, women, and indigenous communities. The role of government policies, community-based interventions, and multi-sectoral approaches is examined in addressing these disparities and promoting health equity. The chapter concludes with policy recommendations and calls for multi-sectoral collaboration to address SDH and foster sustainable, equitable health systems across the Asia-Pacific region. These interventions are critical to achieving health equity, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location, have access to quality healthcare.