State of inequality: reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health
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World Health Organization
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103 p.
Executive Summary published as WHO/HIS/HSI/2015.2
This report examines the state of inequality in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) across low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on both current disparities and changes over time. Using comparable data from Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, it analyses 23 RMNCH indicators across 86 countries, disaggregated by economic status, education, place of residence and sex. The publication was developed to demonstrate best practices in health inequality monitoring and reporting, combining rigorous analytical methods with innovative data visualization tools to support the interpretation and communication of complex health data. The report documents substantial inequalities in RMNCH interventions and outcomes, generally to the disadvantage of poorer, less educated and rural populations. It explores patterns of inequality in reproductive health, maternal care, childhood immunization, care-seeking for sick children, child malnutrition and child mortality, while also assessing trends over approximately a decade in countries with comparable historical data. Although many countries experienced improvements in national averages and reductions in some disparities, significant inequalities persist. The report highlights the importance of disaggregated data, equity-oriented health information systems and systematic inequality monitoring to inform policies, programmes and practices aimed at advancing health equity and universal health coverage.
Executive Summary published as WHO/HIS/HSI/2015.2
This report examines the state of inequality in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) across low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on both current disparities and changes over time. Using comparable data from Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, it analyses 23 RMNCH indicators across 86 countries, disaggregated by economic status, education, place of residence and sex. The publication was developed to demonstrate best practices in health inequality monitoring and reporting, combining rigorous analytical methods with innovative data visualization tools to support the interpretation and communication of complex health data. The report documents substantial inequalities in RMNCH interventions and outcomes, generally to the disadvantage of poorer, less educated and rural populations. It explores patterns of inequality in reproductive health, maternal care, childhood immunization, care-seeking for sick children, child malnutrition and child mortality, while also assessing trends over approximately a decade in countries with comparable historical data. Although many countries experienced improvements in national averages and reductions in some disparities, significant inequalities persist. The report highlights the importance of disaggregated data, equity-oriented health information systems and systematic inequality monitoring to inform policies, programmes and practices aimed at advancing health equity and universal health coverage.