Indigenous populations, representing over 476 million people across 5,000 distinct groups and 90 countries, continue to face significant challenges in accessing essential services, particularly healthcare. Despite longstanding cultural contributions and rich traditional knowledge, these communities are frequently marginalized and subject to deep-seated discrimination, exacerbating health inequities. This ongoing issue raises pertinent questions regarding the societal structures that perpetuate such discrimination and its broader implications for global health equity.
Recent studies have consistently highlighted the detrimental effects of discrimination on the health and well-being of indigenous peoples. Discriminatory practices and societal stereotypes contribute to inadequate healthcare access, leading to adverse health outcomes that are prevalent within these communities. Despite growing awareness, there remains a lack of comprehensive policies that effectively dismantle these barriers. While some countries have begun to address these issues through targeted public health initiatives, there is a pressing need for multidimensional and culturally sensitive policies that can affect meaningful change.
This Research Topic aims to illuminate the health disparities faced by indigenous populations due to systemic discrimination. The primary objective is to understand the various barriers these communities encounter in accessing healthcare and to evaluate the impact of existing discriminatory practices. This research will also seek to propose viable solutions and policies that consider the intrinsic cultural values of indigenous groups, enhancing their overall health and well-being.
To gather further insights into the complex interplay of discrimination and health inequality, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Identifying the main barriers faced by indigenous peoples in accessing health systems.
• Analyzing the impact on the health of the indigenous population due to discrimination regarding access to healthcare services.
• Describing the main forms of discrimination experienced by indigenous populations.
• Addressing health disparities in an integrated way, taking into account the cultural aspects of indigenous peoples.
• Evaluating current strategies that promote health.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Classification
Clinical Trial
Community Case Study
Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
Data Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
General Commentary
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Classification
Clinical Trial
Community Case Study
Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
Data Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Opinion
Original Research
Perspective
Policy Brief
Review
Study Protocol
Systematic Review
Technology and Code
Keywords: indigenous populations, health disparities, healthcare access, public health initiatives, health policy solutions, equity and inclusion
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.