Abstract

Closing the Gap in a Generation: implications of the WHO report for child and youth policy in Australia

Author(s)

Garth Kendall -Curtin University of Technology

There is little doubt that the health and wellbeing of many of the world's children is at risk. In a comprehensive report recently released by the World Health Organisation's Commission on the Social Determinants of Health titled 'Closing the Gap in a Generation', the increasingly steep social gradient in children's health outcomes is highlighted by the fact that worldwide, 10 million children die each year before their  fifth birthday. While the vast majority of deaths occur among children born in low or middle-income countries, infant mortality is also higher among disadvantaged households and communities in high income countries such as Australia. The social gradient affecting children is not restricted to health outcomes alone. It is estimated that more than 200 million children are not achieving their full developmental potential in terms of emotional, attentional and social regulation, literacy and numeracy, and learning.

The Commission makes the point that economic growth is without question important, but growth by itself without appropriate social policies to ensure reasonable fairness in the way its benefits are distributed, is wasted. Further, the high burden of illness responsible for appalling premature loss of life arises in large part because of the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. Poor and unequal living conditions are the consequence of poor social policies and programs, unfair economic arrangements, and bad politics. Action on the social determinants of health must involve the whole of government, civil society and local communities, business, global fora, and international agencies.