ABSTRACT:
Abstract Migrants from East African countries settling in Western nations face significant disadvantages due to their socioeconomic backgrounds. Evidence indicates that these populations experience health knowledge and access to health services is affected during their settlement in a new country. The purpose of this study was to explore social determinants influencing health equity but with particular focus on East African migrants in Australia. Therefore, using ethnographic approach, this study identified five critical social determinants contributing to health inequities: culture and beliefs, structural barriers, language and communication challenges, limited social support and networks, and systemic issues within the healthcare system. These factors were found to significantly influence migrants’ interactions with health services and overall health outcomes. Therefore, addressing these social determinants leading to health inequities is crucial to promote health outcomes and improving the living conditions for East African migrants settling in Australia. These findings highlight the need for both policy and practice to address these disparities through culturally responsive and inclusive strategies. This suggests policy to focus on eliminating these systemic and structural barriers by improving interpreter services, mandating cultural competency training for health professionals, and ensuring equitable access to health information and care. Community-based initiatives that strengthen social networks and promote health literacy among migrant populations should also be supported. In practice, health care providers must be equipped to engage with diverse cultural perspectives, build trust, and collaborate with community leaders. Embedding cultural responsiveness into health systems is essential for reducing disparities and promoting equitable health outcomes among East African migrants and other culturally and linguistically diverse communities.