Health Disparities and Women’s Health: Today’s Evidence, Tomorrow’s Agenda

The First Periodic Health Disparities and Inequalities Report was released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in January 2011. Health disparities are the differences in health outcomes between groups that reflect inequalities. The CDC highlights health disparities by gender, race and ethnicity, income, education, disability status, and other social characteristics in the United States. This report presents the harsh reality. Despite considerable work and progress in recent years, health disparities continue to exist in our nation. The majority of preventable deaths are in women. The need for continued aggressive work, particularly in women”s health, couldn’t be more emphasized.

The report provides the two most critical aspects required to address the issues of health disparity. In-depth analysis of the recent trends and ongoing variations in health indicators provide today’s evidence compelling action, while the recommendations and important steps in encouraging actions and facilitating accountability provide tomorrow’s agenda to reduce modifiable disparities by using interventions that are effective and scalable. The CDC, once again, gives a powerful vehicle to enhance awareness and understanding of vulnerable populations. It is the challenge to the individuals, society, and associations to implement the necessary tools to best address health disparities and inequalities in our nation. To read the report, go to www.cdc.gov/Features/HealthDisparitiesReport.

Dr. Daya Upadhyay
Steering Committee Member