Study Shows Strong Connection Between Poverty and Poor Health

A comprehensive study by the Kenya NCDI Poverty Commission has revealed that poverty is strongly linked to worse health outcomes across the country. The report found that the poorest wealth quintiles suffer disproportionately from non‑communicable diseases and injuries (NCDIs), with higher mortality rates, lower access to diagnosis, and very limited treatment coverage.
Researchers also analyzed data from demographic surveillance sites and showed that lower-income groups in rural areas have significantly higher rates of NCD-related deaths—especially from cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and abdominal conditions—compared to wealthier groups. This highlights a strong socioeconomic gradient in premature deaths.
In parallel, another study based on the Kenya STEPwise Survey pointed out that poverty is a key determinant of risk factors like hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Poorer individuals were less likely to know their diagnosis, and even if they did, many lacked access to or could not afford consistent treatment.
The link goes both ways: ill health also drives poverty. For instance, a study found that many Kenyan adults with hypertension face catastrophic out‑of‑pocket medical fees, which push them into poverty. The authors of these studies are calling for bold policy reforms to break this vicious cycle—such as expanding financial risk protection, scaling up preventive care for NCDs, and improving access to treatment for the poorest segments of society.