Health and wellness refer to a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of illness or disease. The impacts of poor health and wellness are significant, affecting individuals and entire communities. Limited access to healthcare, nutritious food, and safe environments often leads to the prevalence of preventable diseases, high mortality rates, and chronic health conditions. Infectious diseases, such as malaria and tuberculosis, remain widespread in underserved areas, while malnutrition and poor hygiene exacerbate health issues, particularly among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
Education and productivity are also heavily impacted by poor health. Illness can disrupt schooling for children and reduce the ability of adults to work, trapping families in cycles of poverty and economic hardship. Communities with inadequate healthcare systems and unsafe living conditions face greater social and economic challenges, including reduced life expectancy and higher healthcare costs.
To improve health and wellness, efforts must focus on expanding access to affordable healthcare, promoting preventive care, ensuring clean water and sanitation, and encouraging healthy lifestyles. Addressing health challenges is vital for creating resilient communities and achieving sustainable development for all.
Global and Local Statistics
- Approximately 39% of adults worldwide are overweight, and 13% are obese.
- About 1 in 3 adults globally do not meet the minimum recommended levels of physical activity.
- In Canada, about 6–7% of people live below the poverty line (closer to 25% under broader measures), with marginalized communities disproportionately lacking access to essential health and wellness supports.
- In the USA, roughly 11.1% of the population—36.8 million people—live in poverty, and many still lack affordable healthcare and healthy living conditions.
- In South America, about 9.1% of people lack basic needs like safe housing, water, or sanitation.
- In Australia, 13–14% live in poverty, including 17% of children under 15, with rural and Indigenous communities at higher risk of poor health outcomes.
Key Challenges from Poor Water, Sanitation & Limited Health Services:
- Inadequate clinics, hospitals, and health staff, especially in rural and low-income areas.
- Waterborne and preventable diseases due to poor sanitation and limited immunization coverage.
- Long travel distances or high costs for health care.
- Shortages of essential medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic tools.
- Limited mental health and wellness support services.
- Limited access to preventive care (vaccinations, screenings)
- Lack of health infrastructure and trained personnel in rural areas
- Mental health strains from poverty, poor nutrition, and lack of support services
Notable Global & Local Initiatives
- WaterAid (Global, including Sub-Saharan Africa)
Focuses on providing clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene to the world’s poorest communities. WaterAid partners with local governments to build boreholes, latrines, and community hygiene training programs.
Professions Involved:
- Water & Sanitation Engineers – Design and build wells, boreholes, and sanitation systems.
- Community Hygiene Promoters – Teach families and schools about handwashing, menstrual hygiene, and disease prevention.
- Public Health Specialists – Monitor disease incidence, evaluate interventions, and improve health education.
- Monitoring & Evaluation Analysts – Track impact, ensure accountability, and refine strategies.
- WHO’s Universal Health Coverage Partnership (Global)
Supports governments in strengthening health systems so everyone can access affordable, quality healthcare services — from vaccinations to mental health support.
Professions Involved:
- Health Policy Analysts & Economists – Advise ministries on financing and resource allocation.
- Healthcare Providers (Doctors, Nurses, Midwives) – Deliver essential health services in clinics, hospitals, and rural outposts.
- Supply Chain & Logistics Specialists – Distribute medicines, vaccines, and equipment efficiently.
- Health Data Scientists – Analyze health outcomes to improve policy and detect gaps.
- Healthy Schools Zambia (Local Initiative)
A collaboration between NGOs and the Ministry of Education focusing on school-based health programs: handwashing stations, nutrition education, routine health checks, and school gardens.
Professions Involved:
- School Health Coordinators / Nurses – Provide immunizations, health screenings, and referrals.
- Nutritionists – Develop school feeding menus and teach about balanced diets.
- Educators & Curriculum Specialists – Integrate health and wellness topics into lesson plans.
- Youth Mentors & Peer Educators – Promote hygiene and healthy habits among students.
- Beyond Zero Campaign (Kenya, expanding regionally)
Founded to end preventable maternal and child deaths and improve HIV care. Mobile clinics deliver healthcare directly to remote communities.
Professions Involved:
- Mobile Clinic Staff (Doctors & Midwives) – Provide maternal, newborn, and HIV care.
- Community Health Workers – Track and follow up with patients in villages.
- Logistics Coordinators – Move supplies, maintain vehicles, and manage field operations.
- Gender & Social Inclusion Specialists – Ensure services are accessible to women, youth, and marginalized groups.