A new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that poor housing conditions, limited access to education, and lack of job opportunities are significantly reducing life expectancy across the globe.

The World Report on Social Determinants of Health Equity warned that these factors, which lie outside the traditional health sector, are among the most powerful drivers of ill health and shortened lives.

According to the WHO, social and economic disadvantages, not genetics or access to healthcare, are often more decisive in determining health outcomes. The report found that people born in countries with the lowest life expectancy can live on average 33 years less than those in countries with the highest life expectancy.

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, emphasised that addressing these conditions is not only necessary but possible with evidence-based strategies to support countries in closing the health equity gap. “Our world is an unequal one. Where we are born, grow, live, work and age significantly influence our health and well-being.” he said.

The report highlighted a consistent pattern: the more deprived the area people live in, the poorer their health. People in such communities often face lower incomes, fewer years of education, and more years lost to illness.

These challenges are even more severe among marginalized and discriminated groups. For instance, indigenous peoples tend to have lower life expectancies than non-Indigenous populations in both rich and poor countries.

The report is the first major publication of its kind since WHO’s 2008 landmark report on health equity, which had set 2040 targets to reduce gaps in life expectancy, childhood survival, and maternal health. The new findings, however, suggest that most of these goals may not be met.

Despite limited data in some regions, the evidence shows that within-country health inequalities are widening. WHO pointed out that children in poorer nations are 13 times more likely to die before the age of five compared to those in wealthier countries. Closing this gap could save the lives of 1.8 million children each year in low- and middle-income countries.

While maternal deaths globally dropped by 40 per cent between 2000 and 2023, WHO said that low- and lower-middle-income countries still account for 94 per cent of maternal mortality.

Women from disadvantaged backgrounds, especially those from racial or ethnic minorities, remain far more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes. In some high-income countries, Indigenous women are three times more likely to die during childbirth. Additionally, higher rates of child marriage and gender inequality are strongly associated with elevated maternal death rates.

The report also examined how large-scale forces like climate change and debt burdens contribute to poor health. Climate disruptions could drive 68 to 135 million people into extreme poverty over the next five years, severely affecting their health.

Moreover, 3.8 billion people globally lack adequate social protection like paid sick leave or parental leave, leaving them more vulnerable to illness and financial hardship. Debt repayment is also straining public resources; WHO noted that interest payments by the world’s 75 poorest countries have quadrupled over the past decade, limiting their ability to invest in health and social services.

In response, WHO called for united efforts from governments, civil society, researchers, and private sector. The organisation recommended tackling economic inequality, investing in universal services and infrastructure, dismantling discrimination, addressing climate and digital transitions responsibly, and empowering local communities.

It also advocated better governance to ensure policy decisions prioritise the social determinants of health equity.

“Health equity is not just a health sector issue—it’s a matter of justice, stability, and sustainable development.” By acting together, we can create healthier societies and fairer futures,” the director general said.