New report provides groundbreaking insights into the state of health inequities in the Eastern ...

Cairo, 31 March 2021 – Health inequities in the Eastern Mediterranean Region are startling. They have long prevailed and the COVID-19 pandemic is only adding to the heavy burden of inequality according to a new report developed by the Commission on the Social Determinants of Health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, with support from the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research and Institute of Health Equity at University College London. The report “Build back fairer: achieving health equity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region” provides ground breaking insights into the state of health inequities in the Region and urges countries to take action to address the social determinants of health to reverse the worsening trend of inequity –  aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflict, mass movements of people, environmental challenges, gender inequities and unemployment.  “There is no biological reason for the startling differences in life chances for people in our Region. Inequalities in health are evident from the beginning of life: under-5 mortality ranges from 7 to 128 per 1000 live births, life expectancy ranges from 54 to 79 among men, and from 57 to 80 among women. Inequities in power, money and resources prevail. These are what we call the social determinants of health, and we need to address these to improve people’s health,” said Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO’s Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. “As this repor...
Source: WHO EMRO News - Category: Middle East Health Source Type: news