Addressing inequities in healthcare coverage

Overview

The burden of mortality and ill-health is carried by the most vulnerable and hardest-to reach women and children: the poorest, those living with HIV/AIDS, orphans, indigenous populations and those living far from health services. Socio-cultural, religious, economic, political and geographical factors all contribute to women and children having the poorest health outcomes and the most diffi culty accessing services. RMNCH coverage indicators (e.g. skilled birth attendant coverage and full antenatal care) often serve to highlight country-level inequities in both access and outcomes by the poorest and most vulnerable women and children. Addressing inequities in maternal and child health is a key strategy to improve health and survival and requires the removal of avoidable and unfair differences in healthcare through strong advocacy and action at global, national and local levels.