The ongoing advancement of our understanding of how racism impacts health - both directly and structurally - is crucial for addressing the deep-rooted health inequities that persist globally. Structural racism shapes health outcomes among racialized populations, contributing to inequities in healthcare access and quality, and impacting social, political, or environmental determinants of health. Existing research also connects direct and visible manifestations of racism, such as major and everyday discrimination, to negative health outcomes. At the same time, racism does not operate in isolation. A growing body of research shows how it intersects with other systems of oppression—such as classism and patriarchy—and with broader social determinants of health, producing compounded and context-specific inequities. An intersectional lens is therefore essential to understand how overlapping structures of power and exclusion shape health and healthcare experiences. These insights are essential in conducting rigorous and thorough health research, guiding anti-racist health policy, and ultimately, ensuring equitable health for all.

Looking forward, research holds the potential to develop new methodologies and indices and unveil complexities in how racism manifests within healthcare systems and societal structures. By deepening our collective understanding, we can develop more effective interventions that target the root causes of health inequities.

We invite researchers to contribute to this special Collection on Racism and Health, focusing on advancing our understanding and addressing health inequities. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

- Racism as a structural determinant of health

- Racism as a direct determinant of health

- Racialized health outcomes in different populations

- Intersectionality and inequities in health, healthcare access and quality

- Nexuses between social, political, and environmental determinants of health and systemic discrimination

- Anti-racist health policy frameworks and systems

- Impact of racism on mental health

- Health inequities in reproductive, maternal, and child health

- Obstetric and reproductive violence

- Community-based interventions for equitable health

- Decolonizing health research and global health epistemologies

We strongly encourage contributions from racialized scholars and authors with lived experience or expertise in addressing systemic discrimination in health research.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities.

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.

International Journal for Equity in Health is hosting a cross-journal Collection in collaboration with the Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition.

This cross-journal Collection is seeking contributions showcasing research on the intersection of migration and maternal and child health and nutrition. Both forced and voluntary migration have become a global phenomenon with profound implications for mothers' and children’s health, nutrition, and overall well-being. This special edition will highlight diverse methodological approaches, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies, that contribute to a deeper understanding of health inequities among migrant populations and offer potential solutions to mitigate them.

This special issue aims to bridge gaps in the evidence base and promote research incorporating diverse disciplinary perspectives and methodological synergies. We welcome theoretical, review, and empirical contributions that enhance our understanding of the complex social, political, economic, and cultural determinants shaping the health of migrant women and children. In addition to the mentioned methodologies, several others can be incorporated to strengthen this research. Participatory and community-based methods, such as participatory action research (PAR), involve affected communities in all stages of the research process, ensuring relevance and applicability. Qualitative and ethnographic approaches, including in-depth interviews and focus groups, provide a deeper understanding of the cultural and social contexts influencing health. Longitudinal studies track health outcomes over time, offering insights into the long-term effects of migration. An intersectional approach considers how multiple identity factors intersect and affect health. Social network analysis explores the role of social connections in accessing healthcare and resources. Policy analysis methods assess how national and international policies impact migrant health, while big data and spatial analysis reveal trends across different regions and contexts. We encourage submissions that engage with affected communities, apply innovative methodological frameworks, and inform policy and practice.

Submissions may include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

Health disparities in migrant populations:

- Examining health inequities affecting migrant mothers and children.

- Identifying key determinants of health disparities in various migration contexts.

Nutritional challenges and interventions:

- Assessing the nutritional status of migrant mothers and children.

- Evaluating policies, interventions, and strategies aimed at addressing nutritional challenges among migrant populations.

Impact of migration policies:

- Analyzing how migration policies influence maternal and child health outcomes.

- Investigating the role of legal frameworks in shaping access to healthcare and nutrition for migrant populations.

Psychosocial well-being:

- Exploring the psychosocial effects of migration on maternal and child health.

- Assessing the role of social support systems in mitigating mental health challenges.

Community health and resilience:

- Investigating community-based approaches to improve the health and resilience of migrant populations.

- Understanding the role of cultural adaptation and integration in health outcomes.

Health systems and access to care:

- Examining how health systems address the needs of migrant mothers and children.

-Identifying innovative approaches to enhance healthcare accessibility and equity for migrant populations.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 5, Gender Equality.

This collection is open for submissions from all authors on the condition that the manuscript falls within both the scope of the collection and the journal it is submitted to.

All submissions in this collection undergo the relevant journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief of the relevant journal. As an open access publication, participating journals levy an article processing fee (International Journal for Equity in Health, Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition). 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 of the journal where the article is being submitted.