The Health Gap: The Challenge of an Unequal World

  • Sir Michael Marmot
  • USA

Health disparities exist both between and within countries, but they can’t be explained by wealth alone. For example, a poor man in Glasgow has a shorter life expectancy than an average Indian, despite being wealthier. The Indian may die from infectious diseases linked to poverty, while the Glaswegian suffers from issues like heart disease or violence tied to social disadvantage in a rich country. Across all nations, those with lower social status experience worse health. Traditional health solutions, such as medical care or changing behaviors, only go so far. To reduce health inequalities, we need to create conditions where people can thrive, empowering both individuals and communities. Social position directly impacts health, with those higher in the social hierarchy living longer, healthier lives. The injustice is clear: we know how to reduce these inequalities, and this new evidence offers a path to change how we think about health and society. (also read The Health Gap – Book)

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