Better health for all
Health goes far beyond “healthcare”
We all know that widespread disparities in health outcomes, both within and between countries, exist. But measuring disparities in outcomes cannot explain why these disparities arise and persist, nor can it show us how to tackle them. Only by understanding the barriers to good health for all people can we design a truly inclusive health care system.
“Health does not begin in a hospital or clinic. It begins in our homes and communities, with the food we eat and the water we drink, the air we breathe, in our schools and our workplaces.”
-Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General
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Introducing Economist Impact’s Health Inclusivity Index
Haleon is thrilled to support Economist Impact in its development of the Health Inclusivity Index—the first-ever snapshot of the state of health inclusivity across 40 countries and 37 indicators—and hopes to expand the study to include even more countries in the future.
Economist Impact defines health inclusivity as the process of removing the personal, social, cultural, and political barriers that prevent individuals and communities from experiencing good physical & mental health, and a life fully realized. The Health Inclusivity Index aims to:
- Measure each country’s progress towards good mental, physical and social health
- Assess the state of health inclusivity by analyzing data across three key domains
- Facilitate dialogue with policymakers and health professionals
- Inspire meaningful action
When it comes to the US, the Health Inclusivity Index has uncovered several key gaps for us to address, including:
- Despite having the highest healthcare expenditure of all countries analyzed, the US ranks 11th in health inclusivity
- The US, Jordan and UAE are the only three countries studied that do not recognize healthcare as a human right
- While nearly all Americans have access to insurance, many don’t believe healthcare is accessible
- The US lags other leading nations in implementing patient-centered care
An index, a toolkit and a conceptual framework based on the analysis of three key domains—
1. Health in society 
Includes indicators assessing how highly a nation values the health of its people, and whether it considers health across all the policies of its government
1. Health in society Includes indicators assessing how highly a nation values the health of its people, and whether it considers health across all the policies of its government
2. Inclusive health systems 
Includes indicators measuring the strength and scope of the healthcare system, and whether cost is a barrier to accessing services
3. People and community empowerment 
Includes indicators analyzing efforts to ensure that healthcare services are inclusive, accessible, and tailored to individuals and their preferences, including those in vulnerable patient groups
2. Inclusive health systems Includes indicators measuring the strength and scope of the healthcare system, and whether cost is a barrier to accessing services
1. Health in society Includes indicators assessing how highly a nation values the health of its people, and whether it considers health across all the policies of its government
2. Inclusive health systems Includes indicators measuring the strength and scope of the healthcare system, and whether cost is a barrier to accessing services
3. People and community empowerment Includes indicators analyzing efforts to ensure that healthcare services are inclusive, accessible, and tailored to individuals and their preferences, including those in vulnerable patient groups
3. People and community empowerment Includes indicators analyzing efforts to ensure that healthcare services are inclusive, accessible, and tailored to individuals and their preferences, including those in vulnerable patient groups
1. Health in society 1. Health in society 1. Health in society Includes indicators assessing how highly a nation values the health of its people, and whether it considers health across all the policies of its government
2. Inclusive health systems 2. Inclusive health systems 2. Inclusive health systems Includes indicators measuring the strength and scope of the healthcare system, and whether cost is a barrier to accessing services
3. People and community empowerment 3. People and community empowerment 3. People and community empowerment Includes indicators analyzing efforts to ensure that healthcare services are inclusive, accessible, and tailored to individuals and their preferences, including those in vulnerable patient groups
Explore our related resources
Get the latest Health Inclusivity Index news & alerts
Stay on top of the latest data uncovered by Economist Impact’s Health Inclusivity Index.
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Watch our new webinar on patient care in virtual environments
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