STAT

Opinion: The 1 percent will continue to get healthier. The 99 percent should, too

When it comes to health, countries around the globe need to pay more attention to the 99 percent.
Hundreds line up in the early morning to attend a clinic in Smyth County, Va., that provides free medical care to people who do not have health insurance.

Seventy years ago this month, the World Health Organization was created. This milestone offers an opportunity to assess the WHO’s progress toward fulfilling its mandate to promote “health for all.”

Amazing advances have been made during the past seven decades, like the increase in average global life expectancy at birth from 48 years to 72. Even greater advances are on the horizon. But will this dazzling health future be shared equitably across communities? Or will only the wealthiest 1 percent of the global population reap benefits that are inaccessible to the 99 percent?

A identified seven tension points that will have an outsized influence in answering

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from STAT

STAT2 min readCrime & Violence
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About A Medicare Price-negotiation Ruling, Pharma’s Slipping Reputation, And More
A U.S. judge dealt a blow to two drugmakers challenging the authority for Medicare to negotiate the prices of prescription drugs.
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Brain Biopsies On ‘Vulnerable’ Patients At Mount Sinai Set Off Alarm Bells At FDA, Documents Show
A STAT Investigation: Brain biopsies on "vulnerable" patients at Mount Sinai set off alarm bells at FDA, documents show.
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About MDMA For PTSD, A CRISPR Treatment For Blindness, And More
An FDA advisory panel will deliberate on June 4 whether to recommend approval for the first MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Related Books & Audiobooks