Global gaps probed
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Money and democracy have a significant influence over global health disparities, research suggests.
Two recent studies show global gaps with the availability of physicians and uneven access to cancer treatments.
The findings reveal significant links between governance, healthcare workforce metrics, and systemic inequalities.
An international study analysing data from 2020 to 2022 has found that countries with strong democratic governance and low corruption levels tend to have higher densities of medical doctors.
Researchers evaluated data from 134 countries, examining physician density alongside governance indicators such as the Democracy Index (DI) and Corruption Perception Index (CPI).
The results demonstrated significant positive associations between democracy and physician density and between low corruption and physician density.
Even after accounting for healthcare spending, governance factors remained critical. However, democracy and corruption levels did not significantly affect the generalist-to-specialist ratio or the percentage of female physicians.
The researchers say better governance may simultaneously support and be supported by stronger healthcare systems, emphasising the role of good governance in universal health coverage.
Another study has highlighted stark inequities in cancer care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Cancer incidence is projected to reach 28.4 million new cases annually by 2040, with the largest increases expected in low-income countries.
These regions also face rising mortality rates, attributed to inadequate access to therapy, limited screening programs, and persistent carcinogenic risks.
In contrast, cancer mortality rates in high-income nations have plateaued.
The study noted that economic disparities significantly affect cancer treatment.
High-income countries allocate more resources to healthcare, often paying less for cancer drugs than low-income nations. Meanwhile, the latter struggle with prohibitive costs for newer treatments such as immunotherapy.
Dr Fadlo R Khuri, senior author of the study, says it is important to address these disparities. “Cancer incidence and mortality are on the rise globally and are expected to disproportionately affect people in low- and middle-income countries. Unfortunately, access to newer cancer therapeutics is far more restricted in these countries due to prohibitive costs,” he said.
The researchers recommended adopting generics and biosimilars, alongside universal healthcare coverage and international funding, as potential solutions to bridge the gap.
The studies call on policymakers worldwide to prioritise governance reforms and equitable healthcare initiatives to ensure that global health challenges, including the rising cancer burden, can be effectively addressed.
