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Key Points

The World Health Organization has unveiled a shocking global report highlighting extreme health inequities across different countries. Social conditions like housing, education, and job opportunities are dramatically reducing life expectancy in poorer nations. Children in disadvantaged countries are 13 times more likely to die before age 5 compared to wealthier regions. Addressing these systemic inequalities could potentially save 1.8 million children's lives annually.

Key Points: WHO Reveals 30-Year Life Gap in Global Health Inequity

  • Poorest countries experience 33-year shorter life expectancy
  • 3.8 billion people lack adequate social protection
  • Children in poor nations 13 times more likely to die before age 5
2 min read

Health inequities shortening lives by more than 30 years in poor countries: WHO

WHO report exposes dramatic health disparities, showing how social conditions drastically reduce life expectancy in poor countries

"Our world is an unequal one. Where we are born, grow, live, work and age significantly influence our health and well-being - Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General"

New Delhi, May 6

Low social determinants of health are shortening the lives of people in poor countries by more than 30 years worldwide, according to a global report by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday.

The WHO defines social determinants of health as conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age.

The report noted that beyond the health sector, factors such as lack of quality housing, education, and job opportunities can dramatically reduce healthy life expectancy.

It said that people in the country with the lowest life expectancy will, on average, live 33 years shorter than those born in the country with the highest life expectancy.

“Children born in poorer countries are 13 times more likely to die before the age of 5 than in wealthier countries,” the report said.

Women from disadvantaged groups are also more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes.

“Our world is an unequal one. Where we are born, grow, live, work and age significantly influence our health and well-being,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

“Addressing the interlinked social determinants” can help, he added.

Further, the report showed that 3.8 billion people worldwide are deprived of adequate social protection coverage, such as child/paid sick leave benefits, with a direct and lasting impact on their health outcomes.

High debt burdens have been crippling the capacity of governments to invest in these services. As a result, the total value of interest payments made by the world’s 75 poorest countries has increased four-fold in the last decade.

Worryingly, the report also cited “sufficient evidence to show that health inequities within countries are often widening”.

Closing the gap and enhancing equity between the poorest and wealthiest sectors of the population within low- and-middle-income countries can help save the lives of 1.8 million children annually, revealed modelling studies.

The report also provides evidence-based strategies and policy recommendations to help countries improve health outcomes for all.

WHO emphasises that measures to address income inequality, structural discrimination, conflict, and climate disruptions are key to overcoming deep-seated health inequities.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the health inequities article:
P
Priya K.
This report hits hard. In India, we see this daily - rich getting world-class healthcare while poor struggle for basic medicines. Government hospitals need more funding and better infrastructure. Health should be equal right for all citizens 🇮🇳
R
Rahul S.
While the report is concerning, India has made progress with Ayushman Bharat scheme. But implementation needs improvement - many rural areas still lack proper facilities. Corruption in health funds must be stopped!
A
Anjali M.
The 33 year gap is shocking 😢 We need to focus on nutrition and sanitation in villages. My NGO works in Bihar and the difference between urban and rural healthcare is like day and night. More doctors should serve in rural areas.
V
Vikram P.
Health inequality is not just between countries but within India too. A child born in Mumbai slums vs South Delhi faces completely different futures. We need better urban planning and public health policies.
S
Sunita R.
Maternal healthcare in tribal areas is still very poor. Lost my sister during childbirth because the nearest hospital was 50km away. Government should build more primary health centers with trained staff in remote areas.
K
Karan D.
While we blame the system, we must also change mindsets. Many rural families still prefer quacks over trained doctors. Health education is equally important along with infrastructure development. Jan Andolan needed!

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