Abstract
Persistent health inequities continue to affect marginalized populations in both high-income and low-income countries, despite ongoing investments in public health systems. This study examines the critical role nonprofit organizations play in advancing health equity in the United States and Bangladesh, two countries with vastly different institutional capacities, economic conditions, and governance structures. Using an extensive literature-based methodology, the analysis explores how nonprofits expand access to healthcare, address social determinants of health, and advocate for systemic reforms that benefit disadvantaged communities. This study compares how nonprofit organizations in Bangladesh and the United States advance health equity through community-embedded service delivery, integration of social determinants, and advocacy. It contributes to a cross-national, theory-informed analysis that identifies shared mechanisms and context-specific constraints, offering practical policy lessons for governments and nonprofit leaders. Findings show that Bangladesh’s nonprofits, particularly large organizations like BRAC, operate as primary service providers in low-resource settings, leveraging community health workers and integrated development programs to reach underserved populations. This study highlights the need for stronger government–nonprofit collaboration, diversified funding models, and expanded data systems to enhance equity outcomes. By comparing two distinct national landscapes, the research underscores nonprofits’ indispensable contribution to building more inclusive, resilient, and equitable public health ecosystems.