An interdisciplinary and territorial approach to reduce vulnerabilities and health inequalities

People in a situation of social and economic vulnerability are at a high risk of being compromised in terms of their health and well-being. The concept of vulnerability seems to be relevant to highlight the challenges linked to inequalities and to find conditions for developing innovative actions responding to different contexts. Based on an interdisciplinary reflection, we explored the different views of vulnerability from health and social disciplines to find existing similarities and divergences. Numerous determinants of vulnerability have been identified in the literature, such as age, gender, health problems, and socioeconomic and environmental factors. We present some issues about individual and collective aspects of vulnerability from a territorial point of view. These situations of vulnerability present significant challenges for professionals and stakeholders in various health and social services sectors, both public and community-based. Taking actions to promote health among vulnerable people requires an understanding of their environment, in order to adjust to their health conditions, to community and organizational contexts, and to find strategies recognized as good practices linked to their real needs.