15th October, 2008

There remain “striking inequalities” in access to health care, what people have to pay for it, and health outcomes around the world, according to the the World Health Organization’s annual World Health Report.

The report found that differences in life expectancy between the richest and poorest countries now exceed 40 years. It also found that of the estimated 136 million women who will give birth this year, around 58 million will receive no medical assistance during childbirth.

Other data shows that annual government expenditure on health ranges from as little $US20 a person to more than $US6000.

It also shows that significant differences can occur inside a country or even a city. In Nairobi - the capital city of Kenya, for example, the under five mortality rate is below 15 per 1000 in a high income area compared with 254 per 1000 in a slum area.

The report calls for a return to “primary health care”, finding that many health systems have lost focus on fair access to care, the ability to invest resources wisely and capacity to meet the needs and expectations of people.

WHO’s director-general, Dr Margaret Chan, says that viewed against current trends, “primary health care looks more and more like a smart way to get health development back on track”.

“We are, in effect, encouraging countries to go back to the basics,” Dr Chan said.

- DAVID ADAMS

~ www.who.int