Countries Need to Increase Efforts in Bridging Life Expectancy Disparities, According to WHO's Statement
Revised Article:
Hey there, pal! Wanna know a bummer? Richer countries are livin' longer than poorer ones, and it's causing a ton of problems. As reported by the World Health Organization, this life expectancy gap between Japan and Lesotho, ya know, the longest livin' and shortest livin' countries, has narrowed a bit since 2008. But, it's still a massive 33-year difference.
In case you missed the memo, this gap needed to be reduced to 8.2 years by 2040, as pointed out in the initial report back in 2008. Unfortunately, it's doubtful that'll happen at the current rate of progress. Professor Sir Michael Marmot, who was involved in both reports, thinks so too.
It gets worse. Children in poorer countries are 13 times more likely to croak before their fifth birthday compared to kids in wealthier nations. Eliminating this wealth-related inequality could save the lives of 1.8 million children in low- and middle-income countries.
The initial report in 2008 aimed to stimulate action to tackle the "social determinants" that impact longevity, like lack of decent housing, education, and job opportunities. But, unfortunately, the difference in life expectancy within countries has often widened, according to the WHO.
In the report's foreword, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the social determinants are deeply rooted in the structures of societies. And, achieving more equitable health outcomes requires dealing with the complex web of social, economic, environmental, and political challenges that affect health.
There has been some progress. Maternal mortality declined by 40% globally between 2000 and 2023. However, improvement stagnated between 2016 and 2023, and there was even an increase in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, there are significant differences in life expectancy between countries with similar income levels.
Reducing the life expectancy gap requires addressing economic inequality, investing in public services and infrastructure, strengthening social protection, including for those with disabilities or chronic health issues, and regulating "commercial activities that negatively affect health and health equity." And, it all needs to be done in a way that's environmentally friendly since climate change could push millions more into extreme poverty.
In short, governments, international organizations, and all of us need to do more to address the life expectancy gap and the social determinants that cause it.
Enrichment Data Highlights:- Key Actions and Strategies: Investing in social infrastructure, expanding social protection, addressing structural discrimination, promoting climate resilience, leveraging technology, allocating resources locally, empowering civil society, coordinating cross-government policies, setting global targets, and promoting universal health access.- Evidence: Health outcomes are primarily driven by social circumstances and inequities in power, money, and resources. Achieving health equity necessitates a collaborative effort from governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector.- Summary Table: Actions to reduce the life expectancy gap include addressing economic inequality, dealing with structural discrimination, promoting climate resilience, leveraging technology, promoting governance and community engagement, and fostering international collaboration.
- Science has a crucial role in understanding and addressing the life expectancy gap between rich and poor nations.
- Workplace-wellness programs can help mitigate the effects of chronic diseases and improve overall health in the workplace.
- Medical conditions and chronic diseases, such as cancer, respiratory conditions, and digestive health issues, are significant contributors to the life expectancy gap.
- Eye-health and hearing are often overlooked aspects of health and wellness, but they can greatly impact the quality of life.
- Fitness and exercise, coupled with good nutrition, can help manage weight and maintain cardiovascular health, contributing to a longer life.
- Sexual health is a vital component of overall health, and addressing sexual health issues can help reduce the life expectancy gap.
- Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can significantly impact a person's health and life expectancy.
- Climate change poses a threat to health and wellness, particularly in low-income countries, by exacerbating the spread of diseases and worsening air quality.
- The manufacturing industry can adopt practices that prioritize employee health and safety, including reducing exposure to harmful substances and providing mental health support.
- Mental-health issues are a growing concern in both developed and developing countries, and addressing them is crucial for reducing the life expectancy gap.
- Men's health, particularly reproductive health, deserves more attention to ensure men live longer, healthier lives.
- Skin care is essential for maintaining overall health and can help prevent skin conditions from developing.
- Therapies and treatments for various medical conditions, including cancer and neurological disorders, can extend life expectancy when accessed in a timely manner.
- The finance sector can play a role in addressing the life expectancy gap by investing in health and wellness programs, particularly in low-income countries.
- Energy production and transportation choices can impact health outcomes, as poor air quality and noise pollution can exacerbate respiratory conditions and hearing loss.
- Leadership in both the public and private sectors can prioritize health and wellness initiatives, fostering a culture of health within organizations.
- Diversity and inclusion in the workplace can lead to better health outcomes, as diverse teams are more innovative and responsive to the needs of diverse populations.
- Small businesses can contribute to health and wellness by offering workplace wellness programs and promoting health-conscious products.
- Investing in personal finance education can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and wellness, including managing weight and debt.
- Banking and insurance can provide financial support for individuals dealing with medical conditions or chronic diseases.
- Fintech can make healthcare more accessible by enabling digital payments and telemedicine.
- Real estate developers can prioritize health and wellness by creating sustainable, walkable communities with access to green spaces.
- The stock market can reflect the health of industries, such as the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, and investments in these sectors can contribute to the reduction of the life expectancy gap.
- Private equity can fund innovative health and wellness startups, promoting the development of new treatments and therapies.
- Saving and debt management are crucial components of wealth management, which can contribute to better overall health and wellness.
- Budgeting for health and wellness can help individuals prioritize their health and make informed decisions about their expenditures.
- Technology can improve healthcare access, particularly in remote or underserved areas, by enabling telemedicine, remote monitoring, and data analysis.
