5 Harsh Truths about Global Healthcare Accessibility

1. Today more than one billion people cannot obtain the health services they need.

The world’s most underserved and resource poor populations suffer from their lack of healthcare. The services are either inaccessible, unavailable, unaffordable or of poor quality. In some regions of the world, there are either very few healthcare experts, or none at all.

 

2. Almost all (99%) of the approximate 287,000 maternal deaths every year occur in developing countries.

Impoverished women in rural areas are the least likely to receive adequate health care. About 830 women die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications around the world every day. 

 

4. The African region is most affected by HIV/AIDS with 25.6 million people living with HIV, and accounts for 2/3 of the all new HIV infections. 

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to be a threat to global public health, and largely targets minorities. There is no cure for HIV infection, however, effective antiretroviral drugs can help manage the virus and prevent transmission. Unfortunately, only 54% of adults and 43% of children living with HIV are currently receiving drugs or treatment. 

3. Each year diarrheal disease kills approximately 525,000 children under the age of five.

Diarrheal disease is a leading cause of child mortality and morbidity in the world and typically results from contaminated food and water sources, mainly in developing countries. Diarrheal disease is both preventable and treatable through safe drinking-water and adequate sanitation and hygiene.

5. Today, one in every seven people on the planet is on the move.

Today, there are more migrating individuals than ever before: about 1 billion people. War, politics, violence and natural disasters are among the reasons. Refugees and migrants encounter unique challenges to accessing health care including language and cultural differences, lack of insight into the local health services as well as their diverse health needs due to affects of their voyage. Learn More

*All statistics courtesy of World Health Organization (WHO)