Data Visualization

Blog of the Data Visualization & Communication Course at OSB-AUB

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Wealth and Health: The Economic Factors behind life expectancy and mortality in the GCC and Levant Countries

Wealth and Health: The Economic Factors behind life expectancy and mortality in the GCC and Levant Countries

by | Mar 12, 2025 | Uncategorized

Health improvement is an objective of all economic-level countries to increase the well-being of populations and reduce mortality. A key indicator of population health is life expectancy at birth which offers a clear picture of how effective health interventions work and reflects the quality of life in a society. As healthcare innovations continue to progress, people are living longer, but not everyone benefits equally; health disparities are critical, especially in developing regions. In this context, we will examine the relationship between economic factors, such as GDP per capita and social contributions, and health outcomes in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Levant countries. We will explore how economic growth affects life expectancy as well as mortality rates to find effective public health strategies in these regions.

Economic Disparities and Health Challenges in the GCC and Levant

The connection between economic prosperity and health outcomes is evident in the GCC and Levant regions, but countries with lower economic standing face more significant challenges. Qatar, with the highest estimated per capita income at $69,034 by 2057, could benefit from better healthcare, longer life expectancy, and overall improved health. On the other hand, the majority of Levant countries, including Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, struggle because of limited economic resources. While Oman is a GCC country, it also faces economic constraints that impact health financing. By 2065, all these countries are expected to have some of the lowest GDP per capita and net income levels, which will directly affect their healthcare systems and public health outcomes.

The primary issue in these lower-income countries is the insufficient health expenditure, which limits the development of healthcare resources and infrastructure and result in poor health outcomes like higher mortality rates and lower life expectancy. Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria are known for having the lowest health expenditures in the region, with Oman’s spending relatively lower than wealthier Gulf countries like Qatar and the UAE. This creates a vicious cycle and consequences are unavoidably negative: limited funding results in fewer healthcare resources, which in turn leads to poor health outcomes. Countries with high mortality rates, like Syria, Oman, Lebanon, and Jordan, are therefore, resulting in health disparities.

These countries also have difficulty controlling social determinants of health, like education, income inequality, and access to basic services. They will continue to have disparities in health outcomes compared to their prosperous neighbors in the GCC unless a holistic solution is found. Mortality rates in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan are high as they are struggling with the worst figures in the region. Additionally, life expectancy is lower in Levant Countries and Oman. Economic limitations are thus restricting health improvements and contributing to these disparities.

 

A Multifaceted Approach to Health Improvement

The current situation in these nations presents a challenge and an opportunity to develop strategies that tackle the root causes of poor health outcomes. A multifaceted approach should be implemented to overcome economic and healthcare system limitations.

  • Increased Health Expenditure: The most urgent step is to increase public health funding, as healthcare is critical for the Levant countries. This sector should become a part of the principal national budget. Innovative financing projects like collaborations or expansions of public and private health insurance should be considered, and funds from other sectors should be used differently. For example, the Quality of Life Programme in Saudi Arabia, which is in line with Vision 2030, aims to improve well-being and increase life expectancy to 80 years by that year. Public health is also given top priority in the UAE’s National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, which encourages physical activity and healthy lifestyles while guaranteeing that the elderly population has access to better medical care.
  • Economic Diversification: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Oman can work toward economic diversification to generate more tax revenue, which, in turn, could be reinvested into the healthcare system. Take the example of the partnership between Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park (SRTIP) and Deep Knowledge Analytics. They invest in biotech, pharmaceutical, and AI-driven healthcare sectors to stimulate economic growth while improving healthcare accessibility.
  • International Support and Partnerships: Levant countries also have the option to look for international collaborations, foreign aid, and grants to enhance their healthcare systems. Countries like Germany, which contributes the most to social contributions, have strong social safety nets. Utilizing these international resources can help in closing the economic gap between more developed and less developed countries. In the UAE, there is the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center (ADSCC) and the Omics Centre of Excellence, that can help Levant countries by dealing with health challenges like chronic diseases and facilitating knowledge transfer, and healthcare innovation.
  • Focus on Preventive Care: A shift toward preventive healthcare, including public health campaigns, immunization programs, and lifestyle changes, is essential. Currently, GCC countries focus on longevity programs that deal with critical lifestyle factors affecting health outcomes, such as diet, physical activity, and nicotine use. Initiatives such as displaying calorie counts on restaurant menus, imposing sugar taxes on sweet drinks, and launching educational programs that promote healthy eating and active living could be implemented in Levant countries, hence reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
  • Social Determinants of Health: Prioritizing education, fair income distribution, and access to sanitary facilities and clear water are all critical for improved health. Better health outcomes and an overall higher quality of life will result from this.

In conclusion, there is a strong correlation between health disparities between GCC and Levant countries and economic factors such as GDP per capita, income inequality, and healthcare expenditures. Many Levant countries still have low incomes and insufficient healthcare investment, but GCC countries, especially Qatar, have high-income levels and better healthcare outcomes. Therefore, some recommendations are related to economic diversification, and social determinants improvement to break the cycle of poor health outcomes and reduce the mortality gap. These actions can maximize life expectancy and build a healthier future for the entire region.

 

References

Wirayuda, A. A. B., Al-Mahrezi, A., Al-Azri, M., & Chan, M. F. (2025, January 15). Comparison of life expectancy determinants among Gulf Cooperation Council members – BMC public health. BioMed Central https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-025-21296-4

Comprehensive Stem Cell Services at ADSCC in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center. (2024, October 10). https://adscc.ae/stem-cell-services/

Srtip. (2024, September 10). Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park showcases innovations in vertical farming at the global vertical farming show 2024. Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park Showcases Innovations in Vertical Farming at the Global Vertical Farming Show 2024. https://blog.srtip.ae/srtip-showcases-innovations

Lebanon’s Life Expectancy Crisis: How Inflation is Stealing Years from Its People

Lebanon’s Life Expectancy Crisis: How Inflation is Stealing Years from Its People

by | Nov 24, 2024 | Dashboard, Team Project

Lebanon, celebrated for its resilience and vibrant cultural identity, is confronting a quiet yet profound crisis: a decline in life expectancy. This vital indicator of societal well-being has been shifting alarmingly since 2019. Once a point of national pride, the decline in life expectancy now reflects deeper issues—disrupted lives, struggling families, and a healthcare system under strain. At the core of this challenge is rampant inflation, particularly affecting healthcare costs and essential sanitary products, which are indispensable to public health.

The statistics reveal the extent of the issue. Inflation has rendered basic healthcare unaffordable for countless families, pushing medications that were once accessible beyond the financial reach of even middle-class households. Hygiene standards have deteriorated as inflated costs of sanitary products add to public health challenges. UNICEF reports that over 90% of Lebanese families have faced increased medicine prices, with more than half unable to procure essential drugs. Treatable conditions are turning fatal, preventable deaths are rising, and the nation’s life expectancy is eroding as a result.

The depreciation of the Lebanese pound, which has lost 95% of its value, underscores this crisis. Importers are unable to bring in vital medications, and local pharmaceutical production has become prohibitively expensive due to rising costs of raw materials. NGOs such as the Amel Association have stepped in to provide assistance, yet their efforts are insufficient to meet the overwhelming demand. The Union of Drug Manufacturers’ decision to further increase pharmaceutical prices has only deepened the strain on households already battling economic instability.

 

To address these challenges, Lebanon could adopt a fixed exchange rate mechanism for pharmaceutical pricing. This solution, successfully used in countries like Turkey, separates drug prices from fluctuating currency values, ensuring affordability and stability for consumers and suppliers. Establishing a Price Evaluation Commission to periodically review and adjust the exchange rate would maintain flexibility while protecting patients from abrupt cost increases.

Turkey’s experience offers valuable lessons. By employing a fixed exchange rate for pharmaceuticals, Turkey has shielded its population from the worst impacts of currency devaluation while maintaining drug affordability. Regular rate reviews and government interventions have preserved market stability and ensured continued access to essential medications. Research highlights this approach as an effective framework for balancing affordability with adaptability, making it a viable model for Lebanon’s current economic conditions.

Lebanon’s government must act urgently to stabilize healthcare costs. Implementing a fixed exchange rate mechanism is an essential first step toward ensuring access to affordable medications. This strategy could reverse the decline in life expectancy and strengthen public health systems. The path forward is clear: stabilizing healthcare is not only an economic necessity but a moral obligation to protect Lebanon’s most vulnerable populations and secure a healthier future for all.

GDP per capita vs Population Age distribution. Let’s explore it

GDP per capita vs Population Age distribution. Let’s explore it

by | May 5, 2020 | Dashboard, Visualization

The below storyboard highlights and examines a correlation between the GDP per capita and population age distribution. The visualization shows a comparison between regions and across time. This correlation makes us think more about future problems like pensions, economic growth, child labor, retirement age, and possible social problems. It is worth examining further if there is causality. Are economic changes coming based on age distribution?

The dashboard is interactive. Please feel free to filter, highlight, and discover the data in more depth. The fullscreen setting will allow for a better viewing experience.