Special issue on prevention and treatment of medical diseases in vulnerable populations

Several specific groups within the world’s population have shown that they are par ticularly vulnerable to quality health care problems, differential experiences in the health system or increased burden of ill health. Among others, these groups include the poor, the elderly, women, children, those living with mental or physical disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, and migrants. The vulnerability that these groups experience can usually be attributed to one or a combination of the following factors: economic status, geographical location, health status, or ability to communicate.