A key theme in this Research Topic is the persistent health inequalities faced by vulnerable populations. In the article “God is my only health insurance”: a mixed-methods study on the experiences of persons with disability in accessing sexual and reproductive health services in Ghana, the authors explored the significant barriers people with disabilities (PwDs) encounter in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. The study found that only 33.8% of PwDs in Ghana's Ashanti Region used SRH services, with stigma, discrimination, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure being significant obstacles. The article calls for reforms to make healthcare more inclusive by training healthcare providers, improving the accessibility of facilities, and enhancing national health insurance schemes (Seidu et al.).

Another study, Work-related challenges and their associated coping mechanisms among female head porters (Kayayei) in Ghana investigates the health challenges faced by female porters and internal migrants in Ghana. The study highlights the physical and mental health issues arising from poor working conditions and limited access to healthcare. The authors recommend collaborations between government and non-governmental organizations to raise awareness, provide social support, and promote safer working conditions for these women (Komesuor et al.).

The importance of robust public health systems in improving the wellbeing of marginalized populations is another central focus. In the study, Does improving basic public health services promote household consumption of rural migrant workers? Evidence from China, the authors examined how access to Basic Public Health Services (BPHS) can improve the living conditions of rural migrant workers by boosting household consumption. The study underscores the dual benefits of public health services: they improve health outcomes and contribute to economic empowerment, particularly for socially vulnerable groups (Pan et al.).

Similarly, the article Community-based Health Planning and Services programme in Ghana: a systematic review evaluates Ghana's Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) program, which is the main vehicle through which primary healthcare is provided at the community level. The systematic review concludes that CHPS has been successful in overcoming barriers to healthcare access, such as distance and healthcare worker shortages, and serves as a model for other countries aiming to strengthen primary healthcare in rural areas (Adusei et al.).

The rapid advancement of the digital economy presents both opportunities and challenges for public health. In the article “The impact of digital economy development on public health: evidence from Chinese cities,” the authors explore how digital economic growth can positively influence public health outcomes. By improving access to health information and promoting innovation, the digital economy has the potential to enhance healthcare delivery. However, the study also highlights the need to bridge the digital divide to ensure that rural and underdeveloped regions benefit from these advancements (Li and Li).

Another article, “Benchmarking medical laboratory performance on a global scale,” delves into the need for standardization and digitalisation in medical laboratories worldwide. The study reveals that many laboratories lack key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor diagnostic speed and accuracy, emphasizing the importance of adopting digital tools and automation to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Overall, the study posits that, the benchmark elucidates current practice and has the potential to guide improvement efforts and standardization in quality and safety for patients and employees alike, as well as the sustainability of healthcare systems around the globe (Huf et al.).

Several articles focus on the role of healthcare reforms in reducing health inequality. In the article “Public hospital reform, family health consumption and health inequality: evidence from China Family Panel Studies,” the authors examined how China's 2017 public hospital reforms, aimed at reducing medical costs, have helped to alleviate health inequality. The study shows that these reforms have reduced household medical expenses and encouraged healthier lifestyles by increasing spending on health-related leisure activities. Thus, the authors conclude that reform policies in the medical field should integrate with policies promoting basic education, developing the silver economy, and advancing the health industry to work synergistically for better outcomes for patients (Jiang et al.)

Similarly, the article “Impact of Urban-Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance on Consumption Quality of Middle-aged and Older Adult Residents: Evidence from Rural China” evaluates the effects of the Urban-Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI) scheme. The findings indicate that URRBMI has significantly enhanced healthcare access for rural, middle-aged, and older adult residents, particularly for non-food and health-related consumption. These reforms are crucial for reducing the health disparities between urban and rural populations and among different income groups (Zhou and Ping).

Innovation in public health screening is another critical area of focus. In the article “Cost-effectiveness of portable-automated ABR for universal neonatal hearing screening in India,” the authors assess the effectiveness of using portable auditory brainstem response (P-AABR) devices for neonatal hearing screening. The study concludes that P-AABR is both cost-effective and efficient, particularly in remote areas with limited healthcare infrastructure. Implementing such technologies could greatly enhance early detection of hearing impairments and reduce long-term healthcare costs (Sahoo et al.).

The article “Impact of education and Income Inequalities on life expectancy: insights from the new EU members” examines the relationship between social inequalities and population health in the context of the European Union's newer member states. The study identifies that higher levels of education and income inequality negatively impact life expectancy. In contrast, factors such as internet usage and mobile phone penetration have a positive effect, underscoring the critical role of information and communication technology (ICT) in improving public health. The findings suggest that reducing inequalities in education and income while promoting greater access to digital resources could be critical strategies in extending life expectancy and improving population health (Sart et al.).

We, the Editors, believe that the range of varied Research Topics contributed by different authors from different parts of the world featured in this Frontiers in Public Health issue presents a nuanced picture of the global efforts to UHC (9). Ultimately, this may open a new vista of knowledge to understanding the ever-increasing need to ensure all individuals have access to the healthcare needed for optimum health and better quality of life. There is no doubt that significant barriers remain while substantial progress has been made, particularly in expanding public health services and leveraging digital technologies (6, 10). Advancements in the deployment of digital technologies have ushered in new hope for ensuring people can access healthcare without geographical boundaries. Despite all these, inequities persist along the lines of income, education, geography, and gender, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations (6, 10, 11). Health policymakers, practitioners, and communities must work together to address these challenges. The insights provided in these studies emphasize the need for targeted interventions that address the specific barriers faced by marginalized populations, along with broader systemic reforms. Investing in innovative healthcare delivery systems, promoting public health education, and fostering cross-sector collaboration can make meaningful strides toward realizing the “Health for All” goal and ensure that everyone benefits from more equitable healthcare and good health.