Poor children face a stark survival disadvantage, as recent data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) reveals that they are 13 times more likely to die before their fifth birthday compared to those in wealthier nations.
Despite the lack of a comprehensive 2025 data report, about 1.8 million child deaths could be prevented if the gap is bridged by enhancing equity between the poorest and wealthiest sectors within low- and middle-income countries.
The WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health’s first report, published in 2008, aimed to reduce the gap between and within countries in life expectancy, childhood, and maternal mortality by 2040.
The 2025 data suggests that the 2040 targets are likely to be missed. Although data between 2000 and 2023 showed a 40 per cent decline in maternal mortality globally, 94% of maternal deaths still occur in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
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The health organisation said that women, being part of vulnerable groups, are more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes. In several high-income countries, racial and ethnic inequities in maternal death rates persist.
“For example, in some areas, Indigenous women were up to three times more likely to die during childbirth. There are also strong associations between higher levels of gender inequality, including child marriage, and higher maternal mortality rates.”
The global report indicates that the underlying causes of ill health are often unrelated to health issues themselves, such as lack of quality housing, education, and job opportunities.
Another example describes that people who reside in countries with the lowest life expectancy may, on average, live 33 years less than those born in countries with the highest life expectancy.
WHO highlighted that those with access to quality education and healthy food are more likely to enjoy better health outcomes than those relying solely on inherited genes or medical care.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus declared, “Our world is an unequal one.”
Ghebreyesus expressed optimism that change is possible, saying, “This world report illustrates the importance of addressing the interlinked social determinants and provides evidence-based strategies and policy recommendations to help countries improve health outcomes for all.”
The report emphasises that health disparities are strongly tied to social and economic disadvantage, with well-being declining as poverty, low education, and poor living conditions increase.
Moreover, discrimination and marginalisation further deepen these gaps, evident in the fact that Indigenous communities often experience shorter life expectancies than non-Indigenous groups, regardless of a country’s wealth.
Call to Action by WHO
WHO stresses that tackling income inequality, systemic discrimination, conflict, and climate change is essential to reducing persistent health inequities.
Climate change alone could push up to 68–135 million more people into extreme poverty within five years, says the WHO.
Currently, about 3.8 billion people lack basic social protections, like paid sick or parental leave, undermining their health.
Meanwhile, rising debt burdens limit government investments, with interest payments from the world’s 75 poorest countries quadrupling in the last decade.
WHO urges coordinated efforts from governments, health systems, academia, civil society, and the private sector to reduce economic inequality, strengthen public services, and address discrimination, conflict, and forced migration.
Others include aligning climate and digital strategies with health equity goals and supporting inclusive governance that shifts resources and decision-making to the local level and empowers communities.
