A prominent public health advocate Dr. Kennedy Obohwemu has urged global health stakeholders to focus on equity as a core component of quality healthcare.
This was contained in his address at the III Congress of the Brazilian Society for the Quality of Patient Care and Safety, held in São Paulo, Brazil.
Dr. Obohwemu, a ForbesBLK member and CEO of PENKUP International, delivered a keynote lecture titled “All Animals Are Equal, But Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others: Equity as a Fundamental Dimension of Health,” where he outlined a comprehensive approach to achieving equitable health outcomes across diverse populations.
The UK-based expert emphasized that while the concept of universal health coverage has made significant progress, achieving true equity requires intentional focus on specific social factors like socioeconomic status, race, gender, and geographical location.
“Equity is about addressing the unique needs of each population and bridging the gaps that create health disparities,” he stated.
His address covered various facets of health equity, including social determinants of health, the role of healthcare systems, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He argued that equitable resource allocation and culturally competent care are essential for eliminating health disparities and urged healthcare systems to adopt patient-centered approaches.
Reflecting on COVID-19, Dr. Obohwemu noted how the pandemic revealed vulnerabilities in global health systems, especially for marginalized groups, stressing that “the pandemic showed us the critical need for equitable responses during health crises.”
Dr. Obohwemu proposed strategies to tackle inequities, such as enhancing primary care, investing in health literacy, and addressing root causes of social health determinants. His presentation resonated with attendees, igniting discussions about integrating equity-focused practices into healthcare.
“By addressing the root causes of health disparities, we can move towards a future where every individual has access to quality care,” he concluded, encouraging stakeholders to view health equity as a pathway to healthier, more inclusive societies.