Reducing Health Inequalities in Iran by Focusing on Vulnerable Populations: A Policy Brief

Mohammadbeigi, Abolfazl; Aligol, Mohammad; Abbasi-Ghahramanloo, Abbas

doi:10.48307/FMSJ.2026.30.3.381

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Volume 30, Issue 3 (Bimonthly 2026)

Feyz Med Sci J 2026, 30(3): 381-390

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Reducing Health Inequalities in Iran by Focusing on Vulnerable Populations: A Policy Brief

Abolfazl Mohammadbeigi ^*

, Mohammad Aligol

, Abbas Abbasi-Ghahramanloo

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran , beigi60@gmail.com

Abstract: (480 Views)

Background: Health inequalities are among the most challenging issues facing health systems, and reducing inequalities in health and their determinants is a major goal of health policy. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize reducing poverty and hunger and addressing inequalities in gender, education, access to health care, and other health and well-being indicators. Despite progress achieved through the Millennium Development Goals in many countries, health inequalities in Iran, particularly among vulnerable populations, remain a major concern. Recent evidence indicates persistent disparities in access to and utilization of health services and health outcomes. Given the emphasis of Iran’s national laws and upstream policies on achieving health equity through addressing the social determinants of health, this policy brief aims to identify strategies for reducing health inequalities in Iran.
Methods: This policy brief employed a rapid review approach based on scientific evidence and the expertise of researchers in health equity and inequalities. Relevant studies were identified through searches of PubMed, Google Scholar, SID, and Magiran using keywords related to equity, inequality, health, health care, social determinants of health, and health service utilization.
Results: Health inequalities in Iran are multidimensional, encompassing geographic, socioeconomic, gender, cultural, and population-specific disparities. Key determinants include inadequate access to primary health care, unequal distribution of health workforce and infrastructure, high out-of-pocket expenditures, incomplete insurance coverage, weak intersectoral policymaking, and insufficient disaggregated data for monitoring inequalities.
Conclusion: Reducing health inequalities requires phased interventions, including improved monitoring systems, targeted subsidies, the expansion of primary health care and targeted nutrition and vaccination programs in the short term; redesigning insurance benefit packages, training local health workers, and implementing intersectoral programs addressing housing, water, and sanitation in the medium term; and reforming national budget allocation, institutionalizing equity-oriented policies, and strengthening health workforce education and planning in the long term. Strong commitment from the government and governance structures is essential.

Keywords: Health inequalities, Health equity, Social determinants of health, Health policy, Iran, Vulnerable populations

Full-Text [PDF 1075 kb] (16 Downloads)

Type of Study: Policy Brief | Subject: General
Received: 2026/02/14 | Revised: 2026/08/26 | Accepted: 2026/06/28 | Published: 2026/07/1

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Mohammadbeigi A, Aligol M, Abbasi-Ghahramanloo A. Reducing Health Inequalities in Iran by Focusing on Vulnerable Populations: A Policy Brief. Feyz Med Sci J 2026; 30 (3) :381-390
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