The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a staggering 33-year gap in life expectancy between people in high-income and low-income countries, highlighting deep-rooted social and economic disparities.
In its newly released *World Report on Social Determinants of Health Equity*, the WHO attributes this disparity largely to non-medical factors such as poor housing, limited education, unemployment, and systemic discrimination. These factors, it says, have a greater impact on health than genetics or access to healthcare alone.
“Where we are born, grow, live, work, and age greatly shapes our health and well-being,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus. “This report outlines how social inequities drive poor health outcomes and offers strategies to reverse the trend.”
The report notes that children in poorer nations are 13 times more likely to die before age five. Despite a 40% global decline in maternal mortality since 2000, 94% of maternal deaths still occur in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Even in wealthier nations, Indigenous women face disproportionately higher maternal mortality rates.
The 2025 findings revisit WHO’s 2008 goals to close life expectancy gaps by 2040. However, progress has stalled, and inequalities continue to widen. An estimated 3.8 billion people worldwide lack access to basic social protections like paid sick leave, while climate change and rising global debt threaten to push 135 million more into extreme poverty within five years.
WHO is calling on governments, civil society, researchers, and the private sector to take bold, coordinated action to tackle the root causes of health inequity.
“Breaking this cycle requires strong political will and inclusive policies that protect the vulnerable and prioritize equity,” the report concludes.
