XVII Glossary

Health disparities: Health differences that are linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantages. Health disparities adversely affect groups of people who often experience greater obstacles to health based on individual characteristics, such as socioeconomic status, age, gender, culture, religion, mental illness, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Health equity: The attainment of the highest level of health for all people.

Human trafficking victims: Individuals forced to work or provide commercial sex against their will in legal business settings and underground markets.

Migrant worker: A person who moves within their home country or outside of it to pursue work. Migrant workers usually do not intend to stay permanently in the country or region in which they work.

Telehealth: The use of digital technologies to deliver medical care, health education, and public health services by connecting multiple users in separate locations.

Vulnerable population: A group of individuals who are at increased risk for health problems and health disparities.