Why Health Comes First: Inequalities in Latin America

Health Inequalities in Latin America Amplify the Challenge. The report highlighted that in Latin America, gaps are deepening due to structural factors such as socioeconomic inequality, linguistic diversity, and fragmentation of health systems, which hinder equitable access to information and services. In this context, the document emphasized that groups like women, the elderly, and low-income populations face greater barriers, increasing their health vulnerability. In the case of Mexico, data revealed that a 25% improvement in health literacy could translate into annual gains of 179 billion pesos. It was also documented that the average cost of care for individuals with low health literacy reaches 39,537 pesos, compared to 14,247 pesos for those with adequate levels. The report also drew on evidence from the 2016 ENSANUT, where only 24.5% of diabetes patients reported adequate control, reflecting limitations in access to information and self-care capabilities. Regional evidence showed consistent patterns across Latin America. Findings in Brazil, Colombia, and Costa Rica confirmed similar trends: higher costs, lower quality of life, and gaps associated with educational and economic factors. For instance, in Colombia, a direct correlation was found between literacy levels and quality of life, while Brazil and Costa Rica identified significant economic benefits from implementing targeted strategies. Even in countries not included in the index, such as Argentina, academic studies showed high prevalences of insufficient literacy, particularly among patients with chronic diseases. Five strategic actions were proposed to transform the landscape. The document outlined five priority lines of action to address the problem structurally: intersectoral integration, transforming health organizations, co-creation of information, combating misinformation, and systematic measurement. This approach suggests that health literacy should cease to be seen as an individual problem and become a shared responsibility among governments, health systems, the private sector, and civil society. A paradigm shift in public health. The central message of the initiative emphasized that investing in health literacy not only responds to equity criteria but also represents one of the most significant economic opportunities for Latin American countries. The proposal aims to consolidate a model where accessible information, health education, and community participation become pillars for improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities. An international declaration outlined strategic actions to address structural gaps in health comprehension in the region. A group of 14 international specialists presented in 2026 a Consensus Declaration accompanied by the report "From Consensus to Action: Driving Progress in Health Literacy," aiming to position this issue as central to public policy in Latin America. Developed within the framework of the Economist Impact's Health Inclusivity Index and backed by Haleon, the initiative marked a shift in focus: moving from problem analysis to the implementation of concrete solutions.