Equity in Health and Humanitarian Logistics: A People-Centered Perspective.

The article focuses on the importance of incorporating distributional preferences—individuals’ perceptions of fairness shaped by culture, social bonds, and experiences—into equity considerations in health and humanitarian logistics (HHL). Using examples from the Syrian and Rohingya refugee crises, it highlights how perceived inequities in aid distribution can lead to tensions and conflicts between refugee and host communities, as well as within communities. The authors argue that people-centered approaches grounded in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles should actively engage affected communities and account for these distributional preferences to improve both the effectiveness and acceptance of aid. They also emphasize the need for new metrics and operational models that integrate these preferences alongside practical constraints to better manage aid allocation in complex, protracted crises.