Public Policy for Human Capital: Fostering Sustainable Equity in Disadvantaged Communities

Ticona Machaca, Alejandro; Cano-Ccoa, Dominga Micaela; Gutiérrez Castillo, Félix Henry; Quispe Gomez, Fredy; Arroyo Beltrán, Martín; Zirena Cano, Marisol Gonzaga; Sánchez-Chávez-Arroyo, Vladimir; Manrique Chavez, Cyntia Primitiva; Romualdo Rosario, Abel; Adauto-Medina, Willy Andrés; Montes Salcedo, Marleny

doi:10.3390/su17020535

Public Policy for Human Capital: Fostering Sustainable Equity in Disadvantaged Communities

Author(s)

Ticona Machaca, Alejandro

Universidad Nacional del Altiplano

Cano-Ccoa, Dominga Micaela

Universidad Nacional de Juliaca

Gutiérrez Castillo, Félix Henry

Universidad Nacional del Altiplano

Quispe Gomez, Fredy

Universidad Nacional del Altiplano

Arroyo Beltrán, Martín

Universidad Nacional del Altiplano

Zirena Cano, Marisol Gonzaga

Universidad Nacional del Altiplano

Sánchez-Chávez-Arroyo, Vladimir

Universidad César Vallejo

Manrique Chavez, Cyntia Primitiva

Universidad Nacional de Cañete

Romualdo Rosario, Abel

Daniel Alcides Carrión National University

Adauto-Medina, Willy Andrés

Universidad Nacional Tecnológica de Lima Sur

Montes Salcedo, Marleny

Universidad Peruana Unión

Date Issued

12 de enero de 2025

Type

Review

Publisher

Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

Volume

17

Issue

2

Series/Report No.

Sustainability

Contained in

Sustainability (Switzerland)

DOI

10.3390/su17020535

ISSN

2071-1050

Abstract

This study presents new empirical findings on the multidimensional barriers that disadvantaged communities must overcome to equitably access quality education and health services. Equitable access to education and health services in disadvantaged communities requires comprehensive public policies that address multidimensional barriers. Through an innovative econometric analysis of primary data collected in 50 rural communities, the most influential factors hindering access to these basic services are identified. This article discusses the most effective public policy strategies for improving access to and the quality of education and health services in disadvantaged communities, and outlines how to implement them sustainably and equitably. The results reveal that a lack of adequate infrastructure, a shortage of qualified personnel, and socioeconomic and cultural barriers are the main obstacles. Based on these findings, a new comprehensive intervention model is proposed, which simultaneously addresses these interconnected barriers. These strategies contribute directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education), by addressing critical barriers to equitable access to essential health and education services in marginalized communities. These strategies are based on theories that highlight the importance of investing in education and health for human and economic development, and support the fact that investments in these sectors boost productivity, income, well-being, and equity. The study concludes with practical and applicable recommendations for public policymakers, emphasizing the importance of adapting them to the local context and ensuring the active participation of the beneficiary communities.