Health is more than healthcare: how other sectors can share the load?

 Research shows that social and economic factors account for a substantial proportion of health outcomes. For example, health-sector investments accounted for only half the reduction in under-5 mortality between 1990 and 2010 in low- and middle-income countries (through effective interventions such as immunization and other child health interventions, skilled birth attendance and maternal and newborn services, and family planning). The other half of reductions resulted from health-enhancing investments in other sectors. e.g. improved levels of education, women’s political and socioeconomic participation and environmental management (e.g. for access to clean water, clean fuels and technologies), and reduced levels of fertility and poverty. This shows how all sectors can influence health and well-being, and share accountability for reducing health inequities.