Explore the World

Why do differences in health exist across communities and countries?

Health is shaped by geography, society, economy, culture, politics, and environment. Learn how evidence helps us understand these differences.

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🧭 Learning Journey

Foundation
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Learn → Compare → Act

🌍 Global Health Lens

🌱 Social Determinants
🏥 Health Systems
🌎 Environment
📊 Evidence
🧬 Biology
🧠 Behaviour

🌍 Social Determinants of Health (SDH)

Health is shaped by the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These conditions are called the Social Determinants of Health.

Structural Determinants

Intermediary Determinants

👶 Early Childhood Development (ECD)

Early Childhood Development (ECD) refers to physical, cognitive, linguistic, and socio-emotional development from conception to 8 years of age.

0–28 days (Neonatal)

  • Survival and adaptation
  • Maternal care dependency

<1 year (Infancy)

  • Rapid physical growth
  • Immune system development

<5 years (Early childhood)

  • Brain development
  • Language acquisition
  • Social-emotional skills

👣 Health Across the Life Course

Health is a lifelong journey. Each stage of life has unique needs, risks, and opportunities. Early experiences shape lifelong wellbeing.

🤰

Healthy Pregnancy

A healthy pregnancy provides the best possible start for both mother and baby.

Example indicators

  • Maternal Mortality Ratio
  • Skilled Birth Attendance
  • Antenatal Care
  • Low Birth Weight
Explorer Question

How can communities support healthier pregnancies?

👶

Healthy Infancy

The first years of life are critical for survival, growth, and brain development.

Example indicators

  • Neonatal Mortality
  • Infant Mortality
  • Vaccination Coverage
  • Exclusive Breastfeeding
  • Childhood Stunting
Explorer Question

What helps babies survive, grow, and thrive?

🧒

Healthy Childhood

Childhood shapes learning, development, and future opportunities.

Example indicators

  • School Attendance
  • Nutrition
  • Safe Drinking Water
  • Physical Activity
Explorer Question

What helps children learn and stay healthy?

🧑

Healthy Adolescence

Adolescence is a key stage for physical, mental, and social development.

Example indicators

  • Mental Wellbeing
  • Tobacco & E-cigarette Use
  • Alcohol & Substance Use
  • Physical Activity
  • Nutrition
Explorer Question

How can young people build healthier futures?

👨

Healthy Adulthood

Healthy adults support stronger families, workplaces, and societies.

Example indicators

  • Life Expectancy
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
Explorer Question

Which everyday choices shape adult health?

👵

Healthy Ageing

Healthy ageing supports independence, dignity, and community connection.

Example indicators

  • Healthy Life Expectancy
  • Falls Prevention
  • Social Participation
  • Access to Care
Explorer Question

How can communities support healthy ageing?

📊 Evidence Hub

Trusted global health data sources

WHO
UNICEF
World Bank
IHME
UNFPA
CDC

⭐ Every Number Counts

Behind every statistic is a child, a family, and a community.

💡 Explorer Challenge

Choose one indicator:

Investigate:

  1. What does this measure?
  2. What differences do you notice across countries?
  3. Why might these differences exist?
  4. What could communities do to improve it?

🚀 Build Your Idea

Turn your observation into a Global Health Mini Proposal.