INEQUITIES IN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN

Inequities

Abstract

Health Equity is achieved in nations when everybody has a just and equal opportunity to reach and achieve their full health capacity and nobody fails to attain this target. Inequities, however, are those inequalities that are unjustifiable, unnecessary yet, avoidable. Adults have more control over their lives, as far as health is concerned, but children can never be held accountable for theirpoor health indicators, as their healthcare is directly related to the income level, health seeking behaviors, attitudes and practices of their parents. According to the Convention on children‟s rights report, “no child ought to be treated wrongly based on any racial or religious differences.”A large number of children in Pakistan are not provided with even the most fundamental rights like satisfactory standards of living, health care, education, defense against violence etc. Although some health inequalities in children are biologically irreversible, health related indicators can be improved to a greater extent, if children belonging to diverse socioeconomic groups can access health services in an equitable manner. Every country shouldpay attention to the welfare of its children, especially those belonging to low income groups, through a vigilant national information system through an updated record. Support and guidance by the public health practitioners, physicians, and policy maker scan also play a vital role inwell-being of these children.