Health Equity Starts Here

NPHW 2025

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2024) defines health equity as the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. This idea is shared and goes a bit further when described by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2025). The WHO has declared health to be a fundamental human right. They go on to define health equity as being achieved when everyone can attain their full potential and well-being. They explain that both health and health equity are determined by the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, play, and age, in addition to biological determinants (WHO, 2025). Health inequities lead to negative impacts that include health disparities, high economic costs, and negative effects on the workforce. The good news is that everyone can help combat health inequities. The APHA has suggested a few ways people can take part in the effort and make a difference. They include voting for health equity at the ballot box, engaging in dialogue with family and friends, and championing for access to health care. For additional information, click the link to the Health Equity fact sheet provided under Resources. Together, we can help all people attain their highest level of health and well-being.

Resources

Health Equity Starts Here

References

American Public Health Association. (2025). Health Equity Starts Here Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://nphw.org/-/media/files/pdf/nphw/fact-sheets-2025/nphw-2025-fact-sheet—health-equity-starts-here.pdf

American Public Health Association. (2025). National Public Health Week: It Starts Here April 7-11, 2025. Tips and Tools. Retrieved from https://nphw.org/-/media/images/nphw/social/2025/3—health-equity-starts-here.png

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, June, 11). Health Equity. What is Health Equity. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/health-equity/what-is/index.html

World Health Organization. (2025). Health Equity. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/health-equity#tab=tab_1