10 facts on health inequities and their causes
October 2011
Zoltan Balogh
There is ample evidence that social factors, including education, employment status, income level, gender and ethnicity have a marked influence on how healthy a person is. In all countries – whether low-, middle- or high-income – there are wide disparities in the health status of different social groups. The lower an individual’s socio-economic position, the higher their risk of poor health.
Health inequities are systematic differences in the health status of different population groups. These inequities have significant social and economic costs both to individuals and societies.
This fact file looks at what health inequities are, provides examples and shows their cost to society.
Read more about health inequities
Related links
Events
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The 8th Global Conference on Health Promotion
10–14 June 2013
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Sixty-sixth World Health Assembly
20–28 May 2013
Corporate resources
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The world health report
Report on global public health and key statistics -
World health statistics report
WHO's annual compilation of data from its Member States -
International travel and health
Publication on travel risks, precautions and vaccination requirements -
International Health Regulations (IHR)
Global rules to enhance national, regional and global public health security