Source: WHO
The WHO reports that while life expectancy has increased overall in the past 5 years, there are considerable variations across countries of low versus high income.
Global health improvements are undeniable in health care, child survival rates, and in Africa – which has made major improvements – greater control of malaria and expanded access to antiretrovirals to treat HIV. However the case remains that there is about a 20 year difference in life expectancy for children living in low-income versus high-income nations.
These differences in life expectancy are in large due to differences in access to health care and exposure to disease and epidemic. While major improvements have been made globally, the “gains are uneven,” says WHO’s Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan.
The World Health Statistics (WHS) are collected based on 1000 health indicators, reflecting data from 194 countries that is updated regularly.
The WHS for 2016 are gathered to reflect urgent matters to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, including improvements on universal health care access, fighting pollution, improving cardiovascular health and treating HIV.
Read full story at: WHO