The World Report on the Social Determinants of Health Equity issued by the World Health Organization reveals a profound divide in health outcomes due to social disparities. This report sheds light on the alarming disparities in health, well-being, and mortality both within and among countries resulting from unfair societal conditions that are entirely avoidable.
The report was commissioned following a resolution at the 2021 World Health Assembly with participation from 194 member states. It reflects on the slow progress made since the WHO Commission on the Social Determinants of Health’s recommendations in 2008 to enhance living conditions, address power imbalances, and evaluate ongoing inequalities.
Despite efforts over the past 17 years, there remains significant inequity within Australia as outlined in the recent WHO report. For instance, it notes that Indigenous Australians face a life expectancy gap of around ten years compared to non-Indigenous populations. Moreover, individuals in Australia with lower educational attainment levels experience higher mortality rates than those with university degrees.
The report also underlines specific challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, such as elevated maternal mortality rates during childbirth compared to non-Indigenous women. It acknowledges positive initiatives like Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and land rights restorations contributing to improved Indigenous health outcomes.
Following the release of the Commission’s initial report in 2008 urging action
“Closing the gap within a generation,”
Australian authorities received numerous submissions from stakeholders but failed to provide substantial responses by 2024. The new WHO World Report recommends four core strategies to tackle social determinants of health equity effectively:
1. Addressing economic disparities
2. Overcoming structural discrimination
3. Managing climate change and digital transformation impacts
4. Enhancing governance for impactful actions
Experts at Stretton Health Equity at the University of Adelaide have urged policymakers to prioritize addressing social determinants crucial for health equity based on previous Senate recommendations still relevant today.
In light of increasing health inequities linked with growing socioeconomic gaps, striving for equitable access across various sectors aligns with current National Preventive Health Strategy objectives focusing on providing every Australian with an equal opportunity for good health throughout their lives.
Improving health equity not only fosters better well-being for vulnerable groups but also contributes significantly to national productivity goals according to estimates by WHO which suggest potential annual savings worth billions.
While acknowledging Australia’s steps towards a national well-being framework through initiatives like Measuring What Matters (2023),
experts emphasize making health equity a pivotal indicator of national progress is essential moving forward and responding effectively to global reports like WHO’s Social Determinants of Health Equity study.
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