The Economic Dimension of Health

World Health Day 2025 invites us to reflect on how a healthy beginning can transform the future of millions of people. This year, under the theme "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures," this commemoration reminds us that investing in health not only ensures individual well-being but also sustainable economic and social development.

In Mexico, talking about health means addressing a constant challenge. Our country faces structural problems ranging from lack of investment to inequality in access to medical services. The health sector represents a significant part of the national economy: in 2020, the Extended Gross Domestic Product (PIBA) of the sector reached MX$1.5 trillion (US$72 billion), equivalent to 6.5% of the national GDP, according to INEGI data. However, public spending on health remains low compared to other OECD countries, representing just 3.05% of GDP in 2021.

This disparity in investment is reflected in out-of-pocket spending, which accounts for 41.37% of total health expenditures. In other words, a large part of medical care costs fall directly on Mexican families, creating a financial burden that, in many cases, becomes unsustainable. Additionally, the low budget limits the scope of health services, aggravating the vulnerability of marginalized communities.

The economic impact of health goes far beyond numbers. Every peso invested in prevention and wellness promotion generates long-term economic benefits. According to the World Bank, an increase in average life expectancy by one year can boost per capita GDP by 4%. This reflects how health translates into productivity, education, and ultimately, economic growth.

Main Challenges

• Maternal and child health: a key to the future

Ensuring that pregnant women have adequate diets and key supplements, such as folic acid and iron, not only reduces maternal and infant mortality but also prevents cognitive development problems that can affect quality of life and the productive potential of future generations. Unfortunately, lack of access to these nutrients remains a reality in rural and marginalized communities, highlighting the importance of public policies that pay special attention to maternal and child health.

• Childhood obesity: a growing crisis

One of the biggest challenges we face is childhood obesity. It is estimated that by 2035, 56% of Mexican children will suffer from overweight or obesity. This reality projects an alarming future in terms of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which will impact both individual health and public resources. The cost of obesity to the Mexican health system could exceed MX$150 billion in the coming decades, according to recent estimates.

Promoting healthy habits from childhood is essential to reverse this trend. We need comprehensive public policies that involve families, schools, the private sector, and the government in a joint effort to improve nutrition and promote physical activity.

• Infectious diseases: a persistent challenge

In addition to obesity, we face other challenges such as the rise of infectious diseases. Recently, tuberculosis has become the second most prevalent disease after influenza. This situation reflects how historical public health problems resurface when not given adequate attention, and it serves as a reminder that strengthening health systems is crucial to responding to emergencies and protecting the population's well-being.

World Health Day also invites us to think about the future. Imagine a Mexico where children grow up in environments that promote well-being, where access to quality medical services is a reality, and where prevention is a priority, not just a discourse. This not only positively impacts quality of life but also creates conditions for prosperous economic growth.

Health is an investment, not an expense. Healthier societies are also more productive, more educated, and more resilient. Betting on healthy beginnings is sowing hope for Mexico's future. Therefore, it is essential to redouble efforts to ensure that everyone has access to the resources and support needed to take care of their health, from childhood to adulthood.

From my perspective, it is necessary to:

1. Increase public investment in health to reduce out-of-pocket spending and ensure equitable access.

2. Implement educational programs that promote healthy habits from childhood, including nutrition and physical activity.

3. Strengthen primary health care, prioritizing access to nutrients during pregnancy and childhood.

4. Create public-private partnerships to finance preventive health and community education initiatives.

5. Involve the community in the design and implementation of public health policies, ensuring their sustainability and effectiveness.

Ultimately, building hopeful futures requires commitments from all sectors. The government must prioritize health spending, companies must foster healthy work environments, and civil society must actively participate in promoting well-being. In this way, we can transform public health into a true tool for economic and social development.

World Health Day should not be just a commemorative date but a call to action to create the conditions that allow Mexico to forge a healthier and more equitable future. Let us continue working together to ensure that these healthy beginnings become the driving force of a stronger and more resilient country.