Vulnerable groups
Policy-makers need to understand which groups are particularly at risk of falling ill or are unable to recover from ill-health, particularly due to problems in accessing health care.
The definition of vulnerable groups varies between countries, but amongst the most important defining characteristics are age, sex, ethnicity and location. But also important are people with disabilities and stigmatised illnesses, such as mental ill-health. In areas facing war or civil conflicts displaced people and refugees form an important vulnerable group.
Below are resources relating to vulnerable groups which have been organised at both a regional and national level.
Key resources
Health inequalities - Vulnerable groups - Regional key resources
Health inequalities - Vulnerable groups - National key resources
Last review Feb 2010.