Social Marginalization and Health

The 20 century was characterized by a special improvement in health. The aim of the World Health Organization policy of EQUITY IN HEALTH was to enable equal accessibility and high quality of health care for all citizens. However, some social groups remained more or less outside social systems including the healthcare system due to the social marginalization defined as an impact on health that worsens the health condition of an individual. Low socio-economic status influences people’s health condition drastically with the intertwinement of poverty and illness. Therefore, characteristic marginalized groups are: the Romany population, people with AIDS, prisoners, the disabled, the mentally ill, refugees, homosexuals, delinquents, prostitutes, drug addicts, the homeless etc. Thus, a mutual responsibility of the community and the marginalized individuals is to try and resolve both health and the related problems by diverse approach to the carefully planned programs. Acta Medica Medianae 2007;46(2):49-52.