PAHO/ Karen González Abril
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Credits
Tackling structural racism and ethnicity-based discrimination in health
| Across the globe, Indigenous Peoples as well as people of African descent, Roma and other ethnic minorities experience stigma, racism and racial discrimination. This situation often increases their exposure and vulnerability to risk factors and reduces their access to quality health services. The result is that these populations often experience poorer health outcomes. This has been evidenced and exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, in which some of the starkest inequities have emerged among populations experiencing racial discrimination. The World Health Organization supports national and local authorities in addressing racial discrimination and related health inequities. This work includes integrating human rights, equity, gender responsive and intercultural approaches to guide public health policies and ensure that communities experiencing racial discrimination have access to comprehensive, culturally appropriate and quality health services. As a global organization, WHO contributes to multilateral efforts to raise awareness of evidence-based and participatory actions to address racial discrimination and strengthen the protection of minorities, Indigenous Peoples and other population groups. |
