This volume reflects the current state of health research in ensuring equitable access. The topics covered range from access to health, innovation and research resources to decision-making and governance. To achieve better health, particularly among the poor and marginalised in low- and high-income countries alike, there is a need to improve health systems and services, to ensure equitable and affordable access to these and to good quality medicines, and to address social inequities that produce and exacerbate poor health. Beyond the treatment of ill-health, much more attention is needed to create the conditions that enable individuals, communities and countries to promote better health