This outcome is consistent with the commitment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to “leave no one behind,” and with efforts to accelerate advances toward universal health. It aims to ensure that all health sector policies, programs, and plans, including intersectoral action, address the persistent inequities in health that affect the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health by all people and population groups in the Region. Within action toward health equity, priority attention is given to ensuring that all actions are based on human rights; to addressing the gender and ethnic inequalities that often drive health inequities; and to addressing the situation of members of other groups in conditions of vulnerability, according to context.

The scope of technical work includes support for health sector leadership for health equity, with priority setting at the highest level of health sector decision making; decision making and/or advocacy for normative and policy frameworks that promote health equity and equality, with respect for human rights; institutionalization of inclusive governance structures; creation of enabling environments for broad intersectoral collaboration; and adequate and sustainable human and financial resource allocation for health equity. It also involves strengthening capacity at all levels to identify and address health inequities and inequalities, and their drivers, in the planning and implementation of all health sector actions to advance equitable, gender- and culturally sensitive approaches to health within a human rights framework; to engage in intersectoral action with an equity and rights focus; to promote inclusive governance by ensuring strong and effective social participation of all relevant groups at all levels; and to implement evidence-based monitoring and evaluation that are equity-focused, gender- and culturally sensitive, and based on respect for human rights.

Note: For further details on the scope of this Outcome, please refer to the PAHO Strategic Plan 20-25 Document.