Health inequalities represent differences in health status and access to
healthcare services among various population groups, influenced by
economic,
social, political, and biological factors. According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), these disparities are not only systemic and deeply rooted in
social structures but also unjust, meaning they can be mitigated through
appropriate policie
s and interventions. Limited access to healthcare, unequal
treatment outcomes, and uneven distribution of resources threaten social
cohesion, contributing to societal instability and reinforcing social divides.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adop
ted under the 2030 Agenda
provide a global framework to address these challenges, with universal health
coverage (UHC), outlined under Goal 3, aiming to ensure equitable access to
quality healthcare services without financial barriers. Achieving UHC also
c
ontributes to other global goals, such as eradicating poverty (Goal 1) and
promoting gender equality (Goal 5), thus enhancing social inclusion and reducing
health inequalities within societies.
The root causes of health inequalities are complex and
interconnected,
encompassing biological factors as well as socio
-
economic conditions such as
income, education, and housing. Social determinants of health, including the
quality of working conditions and access to healthcare services, play a key role in
mi
tigating these disparities. Data shows that poverty, chronic stress, and social
exclusion significantly increase the risk of poor health outcomes and shorten life
expectancy.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, health inequalities stem from historical, political, a
nd
economic factors. The decentralized healthcare system and disparities between
the country's entities
–
Republika Srpska, the Federation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina, and the Brčko District
–
further complicate equal access to
healthcare. These challenges a
re exacerbated by insufficient economic
development and the continuous outflow of healthcare workers, threatening the
sustainability of the system and the ability to provide adequate care to the
population.
Nutrition, as a key factor in health preservation, plays a significant role in
preventing chronic diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular conditions while
supporting mental health. It is particularly crucial during early childhood,
ensuring optimal gro
wth and development and reducing the risk of health issues
later in life. Nutrition also contributes to health inequalities, as individuals with
limited access to food or poor dietary habits face a higher risk of chronic
diseases, such as obesity, diabetes
, and cardiovascular problems. Inadequate
nutrition affects cognitive development, immunity, and overall health, further
deepening disparities in quality of life and health outcomes.
Effectively addressing health inequalities requires coordinated intervent
ions at
multiple levels, including policies focused on social justice, improved healthcare
accessibility, and economic measures to reduce poverty and marginalization of
vulnerable groups. Only through multisectoral approaches, involving
collaboration acros
s different sectors of society, can fairer health outcomes and
sustainable development be achieved in the long term.
