Measuring Health Outcomes Globally
NoteHealth outcomes are measurable results that reflect the health status of individuals or populations.
Key Indicators of Health
- To understand global health, we rely on key indicators that provide insights into both the quantity and quality of life.
Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy (HALE)
- HALE goes beyond traditional life expectancy by considering the quality of life.
- It measures the number of years a person can expect to live in full health, accounting for years lost to illness or disability.
How is HALE Calculated?
- HALE is calculated by subtracting the years spent in poor health from total life expectancy.
If a person has a life expectancy of 80 years but spends 10 years in poor health, their HALE would be 70 years.
Why is HALE Important?
- It highlights the burden of disease and the quality of healthcare systems.
- It reveals inequalities within and between countries.
In Canada, lower-income groups experience a loss of 3–5 years in HALE compared to higher-income groups.
NoteHALE attempts to provide a more comprehensive view of health than life expectancy alone by considering both longevity and quality of life.
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
- IMR measures the number of deaths of children under 1 year old per 1,000 live births.
Why is IMR a Key Indicator?
- It reflects the healthcare system's effectiveness, especially in prenatal and postnatal care.
- It highlights socioeconomic conditions, such as nutrition, sanitation, and education.
Countries like Iceland and Japan have IMRs below 0.2%, while Pakistan and Mali exceed 5%.
Common MistakeDon't confuse IMR with child mortality rates, which include deaths of children before the age of five years old.
Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR)
- MMR measures the number of female deaths during pregnancy or childbirth per 100,000 live births.
Why is MMR Important?
- It reflects the availability and quality of maternal healthcare.
- It highlights gender inequalities and access to healthcare.
Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest MMRs globally, with countries like Chad, Nigeria or South Sudan reaching over 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Access to Sanitation
- This indicator measures the proportion of the population with access to improved sanitation facilities, such as clean water and hygienic toilets.
Why Does Sanitation Matter?
- Poor sanitation leads to waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhoea.
- It disproportionately affects rural and low-income communities.
While 80% of urban populations in India have access to improved sanitation, only 50% of rural populations do.
NoteAccess to sanitation is not just about infrastructure, it also involves education on hygiene practices.
Doctor-to-Population Ratios
- This indicator measures the number of doctors available per 1,000 people.
