Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain
the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in
Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles
and JavaScript.
Article 25 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that health and medical care should be accessible to all. However, it is well-recognized that people who experience systemic social disadvantages, stigma and discrimination often have limited access to opportunities and resources. This results in poorer health outcomes as well as inequitable access to health care. Social disadvantage, or marginalization, is related to the dynamic and abrasive nature of oppression at the intersection of gender, race/ethnicity, culture, sexuality, dis/ability, social class, among other social factors such as age, geographical location, mental health, substance use and homelessness.
We invite submissions of primary research focused on evaluating or addressing health inequities experienced by marginalized populations. We particularly encourage submissions that explore both facilitators and barriers to health equity. Submissions are welcome across all relevant research areas, including but not limited to qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, lived experience-led, participatory and epidemiological studies. In addition to primary research, we are open to receiving other article types, such as Reviews, Perspectives, and Comments that offer significant insights into the topic. All submissions will be subject to the same review process and editorial standards as regular Communications Medicine Articles.
This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3, SDG 5, and SDG 10.
Nittas et al. discuss the importance of cultural adaptations in eliminating systemic exclusion of traditionally underserved cultural groups to minimize barriers to accessing digital healthcare interventions. They outline the existing challenges of the digital divide and provide recommendations to overcome them.
HIV remains a major global health issue, with the burden of the epidemic disproportionately falling on low- and middle-income countries. Progress in HIV prevention, most notably pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), has been slow to reach those most in need.
Picchio et al. report findings from a community-based hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening program for sub-Saharan African migrants in Catalonia, Spain, utilizing simplified testing and expedited referral to specialist care. Their findings support the adoption of these strategies to increase HBV testing and linkage to care among at-risk populations.
Caroppo, Calabrese et al. monitor the mental health of 100 asylum-seekers during a 14-day COVID19 related quarantine in reception facilities in Rome, Italy. Asylum-seekers are more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder than the general population, but a supportive environment during quarantine enhances their psychological well-being.
Lazarus et al. offered hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV screening, alongside COVID-19 vaccination, to adults from marginalised populations. The combined intervention was accepted by over half of participants, identifying those who needed, and were offered, COVID-19 vaccination and HCV and HIV treatment.
Roederer et al. estimate uptake of COVID-19 vaccines amongst migrants, homeless and precariously housed people in two regions of France with cross-sectional survey data. They also report sociodemographic factors and reasons associated with (non-)vaccination.