Equity is defined as which of the following?

• A. Equality of outcomes
• B. Efficiency in service delivery
• C. Fairness and justice in distribution of costs, benefits, and risks
• D. Market fairness

Answer: (C)

Equity in health focuses on fairness and justice in how costs, benefits, and risks are distributed across people and groups. This means recognizing that different individuals may need different resources or support to achieve similar health outcomes because of varying circumstances, so adjustments are made to level the playing field. The statement that best fits this idea explicitly calls out fairness and justice in distribution, which is the essence of equity.

In contrast, equality of outcomes would push for identical results for everyone, which isn’t the same as ensuring fair processes and resource allocation. Efficiency in service delivery targets maximizing outputs rather than addressing how those outputs are shared, and market fairness centers on fair treatment within markets rather than the equitable distribution of health-related costs and benefits.