Table 2 Overview of results

1

The underpinning values are consistent in WHO texts’ approach to equity

2

WHO texts reiterate that health inequities are socially constructed and mitigatable but leave the “causes of causes” vague, such as colonization, which may make policy efforts unfruitful without fully understanding what these are

3

Despite expressing a distinction between “inequities” and “inequalities,” there are several instances where WHO texts use “inequity” and “inequality” interchangeably across texts

4

WHO texts approach equity broadly (e.g., including resources for health; determinants; outcomes or disparities in health and healthcare; consequences of specific diseases, conditions, or environments; allocation and utilization of resources; access to care or quality curative services; health opportunities and outcomes; and the organization of society)

5

Depending on the specific WHO text at hand, health equity may be viewed as applicable throughout the life-course or intergenerationally, each of which has implications for policies and programs put forward

6

WHO texts at times use vague or unclear language around how to tackle health inequities