Corruption and Population Health

Abstract

Population health is an approach to health with the goal of improving the health of an entire human population which includes health outcomes, patterns of health determinants, and policies and interventions. As the population of countries increases, it creates scarcity of resources that will enhance population health. In the midst of this scarce resources’ corruption heightens the unavailability of such resources. High levels of corruption impoverish populations, increase inequality, and cause health status to deteriorate, especially among the most vulnerable population groups. The main determinants of health include: Income and social status, employment and working conditions, education and literacy, childhood experiences, physical environments, Social supports and coping skills, and healthy behaviours. Access to health services, biology and genetic endowment, gender, culture and race / racism are also determinants of health. In absence of corruption there is health equity, which helps to reduce inequalities and seek to promote opportunities and conditions that is conducive to health for all. Addressing corruption complements the right to health, and promotes health equity in order to achieve population health of the people.