Health care management science for underserved populations

The global health landscape is marked by persistent inequities and access barriers that disproportionately affect underserved populations [1]. Despite the ambitious targets set by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which aims to ensure “Good Health and Wellbeing” for all, progress remains uneven. While some countries are on track to meet their under-5 mortality targets, a quarter of them are not, and a staggering 800 women still die every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth [2]. This stark reality underscores the need for action to improve both access to healthcare and health equity. This editorial accompanies a special issue of Health Care Management Science for Underserved Populations, which is focused on these critical challenges.