Health and well-being are closely tied to more than just biology or healthcare access. Social factors like education, environment, and community support shape an individual’s health throughout their lives. As emphasized by Dr. Thomas Kuriakose, addressing these structural elements is vital to reducing disparities and ensuring that everyone has a fair opportunity to thrive. When people are informed, empowered, and connected to resources, they are better positioned to advocate for themselves and their communities.
Understanding Health Equity
Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible, regardless of their race, income, education, or geographic location. It’s not about giving everyone the same resources, but rather ensuring that barriers to good health are removed wherever they exist.
Unlike health equality, which treats everyone the same, health equity recognizes that different individuals and communities need different levels of support to reach the same outcomes. A rural community with limited access to hospitals may need entirely different solutions than an urban neighborhood facing environmental health risks. These differences highlight why equity must be the priority when shaping health systems and policies.
Education’s Influence on Health
Education shapes how people comprehend health information, make decisions, and interact with healthcare systems. Individuals with higher levels of education are more likely to engage in preventive care, follow treatment plans, and recognize early warning signs of illness.
Children who attend well-funded schools often learn about nutrition, physical activity, and mental well-being from an early age. In contrast, those in under-resourced areas may lack these foundational lessons, putting them at a disadvantage later in life. Access to quality education doesn’t just open doors to better jobs; it builds lifelong awareness and habits that support better health.
Dr. Thomas Kuriakose explains that limited literacy, especially in health-related topics, can lead to misunderstandings about medications, appointments, or chronic disease management. When people struggle with reading or comprehension, even simple instructions can become barriers to care. That’s why strengthening education is one of the most powerful tools for improving individual and public health.
The Power of Advocacy in Health Equity
Advocacy pushes health equity forward by amplifying the voices of those who have historically been overlooked. It can take many forms, from community leaders testifying at city council meetings to youth organizing health awareness campaigns in their neighborhoods. These actions bring attention to the systems that need reform and help create the political will to act.
In many cases, advocacy has reshaped public health outcomes. When parents demanded safer drinking water in Flint, Michigan, their persistence led to national attention and policy changes. Without the pressure from everyday citizens, such injustices might have remained hidden. Change often begins when individuals refuse to accept the status quo.
When Education and Advocacy Work Together
When people know their rights and the root causes of health disparities, they’re more equipped to speak out and demand improvements. Education empowers communities to advocate effectively, armed with the knowledge needed to challenge inequity and propose realistic solutions.
One initiative in California trained high school students in underserved areas to research local health issues and present their findings to legislators. Their efforts led to increased funding for school lunch programs and mental health support. When education and advocacy align, the result can be a shift in policy and perception.
Building Pathways to Equity
Progress rarely happens independently. True health equity requires collaboration across sectors—schools, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and policymakers working in unison toward shared goals. These partnerships expand impact and ensure that solutions are informed by the lived experiences of the communities they serve.
Dr. Thomas Kuriakose suggests that supporting equity means investing in long-term strategies, like improving early childhood education, expanding access to health services, and encouraging civic engagement. As more people become involved and informed, the path toward equity becomes clearer and more achievable. Each action, no matter how small, contributes to a broader movement that makes healthier futures possible for all.