Advancing our collective understanding of health inequities remains essential for addressing the complex and often lethal consequences of systemic disparities in health outcomes. While significant progress has been made in recognizing the role of social determinants of health (SDOH), there is an urgent need to further investigate the structural injustices that perpetuate income inequality, racial and ethnic disparities, and the disproportionate burden of chronic disease—particularly among historically marginalized and underserved populations.

This Collection centers on the lethal impact of health inequities, with a primary focus on mortality and the systemic conditions that lead to preventable deaths. While morbidity—defined as the burden of disease and disability—plays a critical role in shaping health trajectories, it is the escalation to premature mortality that underscores the urgency of this research. Authors are strongly encouraged to examine how inequities contribute to death and life-shortening outcomes, rather than submitting work that addresses health equity in general without engaging with its fatal consequences.

Recent research has revealed that the relationship between morbidity and mortality is complex and non-linear. Some populations endure prolonged suffering due to chronic conditions, while others face abrupt and avoidable death due to systemic neglect. These patterns reflect the cumulative impact of adverse SDOH, such as housing insecurity, food instability, limited education, and lack of access to timely care.

Communities facing intergenerational trauma, persistent socioeconomic disadvantage, and discrimination—including Indigenous populations and other minoritized groups—are disproportionately affected. Individuals living in areas of high social vulnerability experience significantly higher all-cause mortality rates, and those with multiple concurrent adverse SDOH face the poorest health outcomes.

Ongoing examination of these issues is vital for informing evidence-based decision-making and equipping policymakers with the insights needed to foster equity in health. Beyond identifying policy failures, this Collection seeks to highlight mechanisms for translating research into equitable policy action. By bridging the gap between evidence and implementation, we aim to surface practical pathways for systemic change—whether through legislative reform, community-led initiatives, or integrated health system strategies.

We invite researchers to contribute to this special Collection, Health Inequities’ Lethal Impact. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

-Structural injustice and health

-The role of income inequality in health outcomes

-Racial and ethnic disparities in chronic disease

-Health inequities in Indigenous communities

-Policy interventions for reducing preventable deaths

-Mechanisms for translating evidence into equitable policy action

-Social determinants of health and morbidity

-Community-based approaches to health equity

-Examining policy failures in health systems

-Intersections of morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities, reinforcing the global imperative to ensure equitable access to health.

All submissions in this collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.

The International Journal for Equity in Health invites submissions for a new Collection titled “Equity in Health as the Center of Development.” As countries prepare for the post-2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), placing health equity at the heart of development is essential for achieving inclusive growth, social justice, and resilient health systems.

About the Collection

Health equity is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable development. Persistent disparities—exposed and intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic—highlight the need for policies and systems that prioritize the needs of marginalized and underserved communities. Strengthening equitable governance, advancing universal health coverage, and addressing the structural determinants of health are critical steps for building fairer and more resilient societies.

This inaugural Collection will establish the foundation for the journal’s Super Collection, “Positioning IJEqH at the Center of the Debate on the Future of the SDGs Beyond 2030.” By defining key themes and priority areas, it will guide the structure of subsequent Collections.

Topics of Interest

We welcome submissions exploring the intersection of health equity and development, including but not limited to:

· Community-led health initiatives

· Governance frameworks for advancing equity

· Innovations in universal health coverage

· Health system resilience and adaptive capacity

· Strategies for engaging marginalized populations

· Equity considerations in global health crises

· Evaluation of inclusive development policies

· The future post-2030 SDG agenda and equity

Why This Collection Matters

This Collection launches a long-term strategic effort to shape the next decade of global health equity research. By identifying emerging priorities and highlighting evidence gaps, it will build the intellectual foundation for future parts of the Super Collection and help re-center health equity in global development debates.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being.

All submissions in this collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. The Editors have no competing interests with the submissions which they handle through the peer review process. The peer review of any submissions for which the Editors have competing interests is handled by another Editorial Board Member or Guest Editor who has no competing interests. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.