WHO report maps inequalities in chronic disease prevention and care

The World Health Organization released a global review of inequalities in noncommunicable diseases on 20 October. It covers cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes, along with risk factors from tobacco and diet to air pollution.

WHO compared national data from the past decade by age, gender, income, education and location. In many low- and middle-income countries, less educated groups have higher rates of hypertension and diabetes. Rural residents often have less access to blood-pressure diagnosis and treatment, while poorer and less educated women are less likely to receive cervical cancer screening.

National averages alone can hide who is missing out on prevention and care. The report points to measuring screening, diagnosis and treatment separately across population groups and addressing the largest gaps. It does not claim every pattern is identical in every country.

Primary source: www.who.int
Cover: Illustration created by Shanraq for this story.