Warnings Issued: Slowdown in Reduction of Health Disparities Between Wealthy and Less-Wealthy Nations
It seems the world was doing a bang-up job reducing child mortality and closing the health gap between rich and poor countries. However, it appears that progress has hit a wall, with some regions even moving backward. Sound the alarm! Global health authorities, in their latest report, are urging swift action to tackle the political, economic, and social factors holding back progress.
This report, the first in over a decade, is a follow-up to the global health goals set by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2008. The targets focused on reducing death rates, slashing child mortality, and improving maternal health within and among countries. Regrettably, we find ourselves at the midway point to 2040, with none of these objectives being met.
A Gaping Life Expectancy Chasm
There's still a yawning 12.5-year gap in life expectancy between the countries with the longest life expectancies and those with the shortest. By 2040, the WHO aims to narrow that gap to 8.2 years. Think about it: People in Japan can expect to live 33 years longer than those in Lesotho. That's an insane difference!
The Drift in Mortality Rates
Good news! Death rates among people aged 15 to 60 have been steadily falling since the start of the millennium. But, to meet the target rate of 91 deaths per 1,000 people, we'd need a 56% drop.
Child Mortality: Still a Persistent Issue
Children under five have seen a massive improvement in mortality rates since 2000, falling from 77 to 37 deaths per 1,000 live births. While impressive, reaching the goal of only eight deaths per 1,000 by 2040 might prove difficult. Sadly, babies born in poorer countries are still 13 times more likely to die before their fifth birthdays than those in wealthier countries.
Maternal Health: A Question of Resources and Equity
The global maternal mortality rate has dropped by 40% since 2000, but with 197 pregnant women or new moms dying for every 100,000 live births, we're still more than 12 times off target.
Even within countries, we see a stark divide in health outcomes between the rich and the poor. The report points to factors like income inequality, inadequate public services, structural discrimination, social isolation, climate change, conflict, and access to digital technologies as major contributors.
WHO officials make it clear: Addressing these drivers of health inequalities is crucial. Addressing these issues not only makes sense from a health perspective but also returns a significant financial investment. Flood the valleys of inequality with resources, and watch the gap close! So, let's get to work!
- The WHO report indicates the world's slowing progress in achieving global health equity, raising concerns about regional regression in health disparities.
- Political, economic, and social factors are hindering progress towards the health goals set by the WHO in 2008.
- The report is a follow-up to the global health targets set in 2008, which aimed to reduce death rates, slash child mortality, and improve maternal health within and among countries.
- As we reach the midway point towards 2040, none of these objectives have been met.
- There's still a striking 12.5-year gap in life expectancy between countries with the longest life expectancies and those with the shortest.
- The WHO aims to reduce this gap to 8.2 years by 2040.
- People in Japan can expect to live 33 years longer than those in Lesotho, which is an exceedingly large difference.
- Death rates among people aged 15 to 60 have been falling since the start of the millennium, but a 56% drop is necessary to meet the target rate of 91 deaths per 1,000 people.
- Improvements in mortality rates among children under five have been significant since 2000, with a drop from 77 to 37 deaths per 1,000 live births.
- Reaching a target of only eight deaths per 1,000 live births by 2040 may be challenging.
- Babies in poorer countries are still 13 times more likely to die before their fifth birthdays than those in wealthier countries.
- The global maternal mortality rate has dropped by 40% since 2000, but with 197 pregnant women or new moms dying for every 100,000 live births, progress is still more than 12 times off target.
- Income inequality, inadequate public services, structural discrimination, social isolation, climate change, conflict, and access to digital technologies are significant contributors to health disparities.
- WHO officials stress that addressing these drivers of health inequalities is essential for both health reasons and financial returns.
- Factors such as workplace-wellness, fitness and exercise, various medical conditions, chronic diseases, cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, health and wellness, mental health, men's health, and women's health are among those that need immediate attention in order to close the health gap.
- Sexual health, family health, skin care, and therapies and treatments are also crucial components in achieving health equity.
- Environmental science and climate change are significant determinants of health disparities, as are factors related to nutrition, such as availability, accessibility, and affordability.
- Policy and legislation, education and self-development, personal growth, mindfulness, and responsible gambling can also contribute to closing the health gap.
- Skills training, sports, football, and European leagues are all part of the broader picture in promoting overall health and wellbeing.
- Early childhood development, parenting, and cardiovascular health are essential elements in improving health outcomes, particularly for children and pregnant women.
- Migration, fires, accidents, general news, crime and justice, online education, job search, poker, roulette, casino culture, and casino games may not seem directly related to health disparities, but they can indirectly impact health outcomes.
- Improving access to quality healthcare services, policy reforms, and increasing public investment in health and wellness are key strategies for reducing health disparities.
- A comprehensive approach, integrating health, social, and environmental dimensions, is necessary to tackle health disparities effectively.
- The report underscores the need for cooperation among governments, international organizations, and communities to address health disparities and achieve health equity.
- The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for addressing these challenges, focusing on reducing inequality and promoting substantial improvements in health and wellbeing.
- Strengthening health systems, improving access to essential medicines and vaccines, and increasing investment in research and development for new treatments and therapies are crucial steps towards achieving the SDGs.
- The blackjack, big wins, war and conflicts, productivity, career development, casino and gambling, casino personalities, car-accidents, politics, and policy-and-legislation may seem distant from the pursuit of health equity, but they deeply impact the social and economic determinants of health.
- Progress in addressing health disparities requires a concerted effort from various sectors, including education, employment, housing, and transportation, to create a supportive environment for health and wellbeing.
- Integrating health considerations into urban planning, designing communities that encourage physical activity, and promoting mental health awareness are important interventions for promoting health and wellbeing.
- Promoting gender equality, protecting the rights of marginalized populations, and fostering social cohesion are key strategies for reducing health disparities and promoting health equity.
- Education, particularly for girls and women, is critical in breaking the cycle of poverty, reducing health disparities, and improving health outcomes.
- Strengthening learning opportunities, promoting lifelong learning, and empowering individuals with skills and knowledge are essential components of a comprehensive strategy to reduce health disparities and promote health equity.
- Ultimately, equity in health is a universal human right, and it is our shared responsibility to work toward a future where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy good health and wellbeing, regardless of where they were born, their wealth, or their social status.

