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.