WHO report on NCD inequalities

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released an unpublished report measuring global inequalities related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and their risk factors, including smoking, alcohol use, obesity, and air pollution. The report uses national data from 2013 to 2022 to analyze how eight socioeconomic factors affect exposure to these diseases.

Socioeconomic factors affect health outcomes

The report shows that a person's socioeconomic status influences their health at every stage, from exposure to risk factors to diagnosis, treatment, and disease management. It highlights that in low- and middle-income countries, people with less education are more likely to suffer from hypertension and diabetes. Poorer and less educated women also have lower rates of cervical cancer screening, and less educated men face greater health risks from smoking.

Geography and demographics shape health risks

The report emphasizes that people living in rural areas have less access to hypertension diagnosis and cancer screening. Men with hypertension are less likely to be diagnosed or treated than women, despite higher tobacco and alcohol consumption. Obesity is more common among women, especially in developing countries. Young adults with hypertension receive less support than older individuals, while sedentary lifestyles increase with age and obesity peaks between 40 and 70 years.

Social and marginalization factors contribute to health disparities

The report also points out that social marginalization, disability, and migrant status are significant contributors to health inequalities. To address these issues, the WHO urges governments to increase taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks, which can be especially effective for low-income groups. It also recommends creating targeted programs, such as insurance and subsidies, for underserved communities and incorporating equity measures into national health systems.