• A recent global report by the World Health Organization (WHO), as reported by CIDRAP (May 9, 2025), has highlighted the severe impact of social injustice on public health, stating that it is responsible for widespread mortality.

• The report reveals significant disparities in life expectancy, with individuals in the poorest countries living 33 years less than those in wealthier nations. Furthermore, children in low-income countries face a mortality rate 13 times higher before the age of five compared to their counterparts in more affluent regions. 

• Although there has been a global decline in under-five and maternal mortality since 2000, these disparities persist. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these inequities by creating unequal access to healthcare and increasing sovereign debt.

• The report emphasizes that social determinants, such as living and working conditions, are the primary drivers of these preventable health disparities and presents 14 key global recommendations for reform.

• The report highlights four key areas of focus: 

  • Tackling economic inequality by investing in social infrastructure and universal public services, 

  • Addressing structural discrimination, 

  • Navigating the challenges and opportunities of climate change and digital transformation to systematically advance health equity, and 

  • Establishing governance frameworks to enhance the coherence and impact of actions.

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