Table 6.

Taking action: recommendations for pediatricians to improve health equity in urban slums

Realm of action	What you can do
Visit the depressed areas of cities in the countries you visit	If you have a close open relationship with your colleagues in countries you visit, discuss the situation with them.
Listen and observe	Apply the strategies of “positive deviants” and learn from the families who are doing well and invite them to teach those who are not.
Educate local community health workers	Discuss with these influential women and encourage them to empower the mothers in slum areas. It is they who will make a difference and your interest and encouragement will help. (Pediatricians know how to educate mothers and spend their lives empowering mothers to take charge of their lives and the lives of their children.) [125]
Study the pertinent international conventions (Convention on the Rights of the Child) and the policies of the government	Add the appropriate articles of the conventions to your discussions with your colleagues and those in power.
Advocate while there	Encourage your local colleagues to discuss the inequalities with those in political position to improve the lives of children and their families.
Advocate while at home	Bring the plight of these children to the attention of your representatives and your friends: expose the injustices.
Investigate and learn the problems	Go beyond the direct medical problem at hand and inquire about health behaviors at home to address underlying issues if possible.
Connect with others	Maintain lists of local community programs and social services that patients in need can be connected to.