Life expectancy, income, and education are key factors to an individual’s well-being. But how do OECD countries and South Sudan compare? According to a recent UN report, the U.S. and other OECD countries are falling behind in these measures. The following is a summary of some of the findings.
OECD countries fare poorly in life expectancy education and income
There is a large inequity in the life expectancy of men and women across OECD countries, and the disparities persist in older age. For example, the life expectancy of men at 65 years is 15.8 years in countries with low levels of education and 18.4 years in countries with high levels of education. These gaps are larger than at 25 years, which indicates that education levels affect longevity in later life.
These results suggest that different societal and economic factors contribute to life expectancy. For example, smoking, low education, and high body weight make relatively small contributions to life expectancy. In other words, policymakers should aim to tackle a range of health determinants to reduce inequalities.
South Sudan fare poorly in life expectancy education and income
The country has a high infant mortality rate and a very poor education system. Education is a key indicator of life expectancy and income. The government is taking steps to improve these metrics, but they will not be enough. South Sudan must do more to ensure the rights of its people. It must also hold powerful leaders accountable. To do this, it must implement a human rights due diligence policy.
Poor children in South Sudan have been disproportionately recruited to fight for the rebels. They are now trapped in refugee camps in Uganda and Kenya. Some of them have been displaced into the capital Juba, where they have become child soldiers.
U.S. at risk of falling behind OECD countries in RII
The United States currently lags behind the OECD in RII. Some of the discrepancies stem from differences in non-medical determinants of health. For example, the United States has a significantly lower life expectancy than OECD countries. While this disparity has been decreasing over the past few decades, it remains large.
In a recent study, researchers looked at differences in mortality rates between the US and 17 other OECD countries. They found that mortality differences below age 50 account for more than two thirds of the US-OECD gap in life expectancy at birth. These disparities are widespread across the life-course and can affect both genders.
OECD countries at risk of falling behind OECD countries in RII
According to the latest study published in the Lancet, OECD countries are at risk of falling behind their OECD peers when it comes to life expectancy. The report examines the relationship between life expectancy and socioeconomic factors, including income, education, unemployment, and air quality. It finds that higher education is associated with a longer life expectancy, and that higher education has a direct impact on overall health and longevity.
The study found that most high income countries have deteriorating life expectancy, with declines of about a year in men and women. In fact, the declines are so steep that they are unprecedented for men. During 1980-2014, the highest number of countries experiencing declines in life expectancy was seven, in 1985. However, in 2012, only twelve countries experienced such declines. The average decrease for women was 0.08 years, whereas the decrease for men was 0.16 years.
South Sudan at risk of falling behind OECD countries in RII
South Sudan has experienced repeated conflicts that have stalled development efforts and resulted in severe food insecurity. Almost half of the country’s population is at risk of hunger, and another third will experience severe food insecurity in the lean season. The country is also extremely vulnerable to external shocks and continues to experience severe economic stagnation and instability. Poverty is pervasive, and ongoing intercommunal conflict and displacement have worsened the situation.
In addition to the health risks, South Sudan is at risk of falling behind OECD countries on life expectancy, education and income. While the region has made progress in some areas, it remains a long way from the OECD standard. The region’s economic indicators and use of passenger cars have lagged behind other regions.
