Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

Structural discrimination including racism, colonialism, and other forms of exclusion harms the health of equity-denied groups globally. Indigenous, racialized, ethnically discriminated, and caste-oppressed populations in both low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries like Canada face unequal access to clean water, housing, and healthcare. While there is growing recognition of these systemic issues, there is still a lack of accessible, evidence-based knowledge on what actually works to reduce health inequities through structural change. STRIDE (Structural Transformation against Racism, Inequality and Discrimination) - a global research initiative under the Lancet Commission on Racism, Structural Discrimination and Global Health - aims to fill this gap. STRIDE studies examples of progress known as "Exemplars" from Bolivia (Indigenous health), Kenya (ethnic discrimination), and Nepal (caste-based exclusion) where measurable improvements in health equity have been achieved through anti-racist and anti-discriminatory policies, programs, or civic action. Local partners lead this work with McGill University and the O'Neill Institute, ensuring cultural and contextual relevance. "Global Pathways to Equity in Canada" is a two-day virtual international symposium scheduled for April 2026, serving as a central platform for sharing STRIDE's findings. The symposium will showcase transferable strategies, elevate community voices, and foster equity-focused dialogue among researchers, policymakers, and community members. Post-event, feedback will be collected to evaluate outcomes, and key learnings will be mobilized through broad dissemination to support peer learning and equity-driven action globally and in Canada. By sharing real-world examples and practical tools for change, the symposium aims to advance the adoption of equity-focused interventions within health systems and contribute meaningfully to global discussions on structural transformation.