Warning that many causes of poor health come from outside the sector, the World Health Organization. It also cited that poor housing, lack of education and limited job opportunities are harming people’s health in many ways than one.
Based on WHO’s World Report on Social Determinants of Health Equity, experts explained that many social factors can shorten people’s healthy life spans by several years —even for decades— regardless of whether they live in rich or poor countries.
The report mentions as an example people in the country with the lowest life expectancy live, on average, 33 years less than those in the country with the highest life expectancy.
These social factors, health experts said, often have a bigger effect on health than genetics or even access to health care.
‘Even in rich countries, racial and ethnic differences in maternal death rates continue. In some places, Indigenous women are up to three times more likely to die during childbirth.’
UNEQUAL WORLD
“Our world is unequal. Where a person is born and how they live affects their health. But we can make things better,” WHO director-general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted.
Ghebreyesus, there is much to hope for as the latest report suggests why it is important to fix these social issues and gives countries ways to improve health for everyone.”
The report also shows that health differences are strongly tied to poverty, lack of education and discrimination.
“People who live in poorer areas usually have worse health and fewer years of good life. These problems are even worse for groups who face racism or are pushed to the edges of society,” it spelled out.
FIRST OF ITS KIND
The WHO report is the first of its kind since 2008, when the global health agency set goals for improving global health by 2040. However, it warns that these goals probably won’t be met.
“Even though some health data is limited, there’s clear proof that health gaps within countries are getting worse. For instance, children in poorer countries are 13 times more likely to die before age five than those in wealthier countries. If health equity improved, 1.8 million young lives could be saved each year in low- and middle-income countries,” health experts pointed out.
Current health statistics indicate that while global maternal deaths dropped by 40 percent between 2000 and 2023, 94 percent of these deaths still happen in poorer countries.
Women from disadvantaged groups are more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues.
Even in rich countries, racial and ethnic differences in maternal death rates continue.
In some places, Indigenous women are up to three times more likely to die during childbirth.
Great article!