486 Latin American perspectives on measuring ethnic-racial health inequalities: challenges and collaborative pathways

Abstract WKS 40: Latin American Perspectives on Measuring Ethnic-Racial Health Inequalities: Challenges and Collaborative Pathways, B302 (FCSH), September 5, 2025, 10:15 - 11:15 Rationale and Purpose The measurement of ethnic-racial health inequalities in Latin America presents epistemological and methodological challenges, shaped by colonial legacies, structural racism, and dominant knowledge systems. In the contemporary capitalist order, old and new mechanisms are being recomposed to perpetuate racism. This is how they shape the production of health knowledge, rendering Afro-descendant populations invisible in epidemiological research and public health decision-making. Dominant frameworks, often imported or standardised, fail to capture the heterogeneous experiences of racialised populations. By questioning how ethnic-racial categories are constructed and used in health surveys, the session examines the conceptual, ethical, and political implications of current practices, aiming to foster critical reflection and collaboration on the structural and methodological challenges of addressing ethnic-racial health inequities in Latin America. Methods/Process of Workshop The workshop follows a seminar-style format, combining two short presentations with a participatory activity. The first explores how capitalist political economies shape health research, excluding Afro-descendant populations and reinforcing structural inequalities. The second analyses how ethnic-racial categories are constructed and applied in health surveys, questioning homogenising classifications and proposing more reflexive methodologies. Participants will join structured small-group discussions. Two guiding questions frame the discussion: (1) What are the barriers to capturing ethnic-racial diversity in health data in your context? and (2) How might your experiences inform Latin American debates? An AI-powered tool synthesises group insights into key messages and practical recommendations. Projected Learning Outcomes Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the socio-political foundations of ethnic-racial health inequalities, critically assess current measurement practices in Latinoamerica, and explore inclusive and collaborative research strategies that confront epistemic injustice.