To mark the 60th anniversary of the Julius Baer Foundation, we are launching the “60 Facts on Wealth Inequality” series. This initiative sheds light on the causes and far-reaching consequences of wealth disparity—and its impact on individuals, communities, and the social and economic fabric of society.
This fourth edition examines two pillars of opportunity: health and education. Both are essential for social mobility, yet both remain deeply influenced by income and inheritance — often from the moment of conception.
Despite talent and determination, many face systemic barriers simply because of their economic background. Success — and even survival — can depend less on individual effort than on financial privilege.
Findings presented in Edition 4 of our ‘60 facts on wealth inequality’ series reveal stark global disparities: Children from lower-income families are nearly 50% less likely to complete college than wealthier peers — even when they perform equally well academically. Family wealth, not ability, becomes the deciding factor.
Before education begins, health must be secured. Too often, it isn’t. A child's chance of reaching school age hinges on access to proper healthcare — for both mother and infant. But major gaps exist.
In 15 out of 16 sub-Saharan African countries studied, mothers from low-income households receive significantly less antenatal and primary care than those from high-income homes. In Tanzania, for example, women from the wealthiest families are almost twice as likely to begin prenatal visits in the first trimester compared to women from the poorest.
These early disadvantages accumulate. In Nigeria and India, children born into poor households are more than three times as likely to die before turning five than those born into wealthier families.
Why This Matters for Everyone
Denying people access to healthcare and education doesn’t just harm the most vulnerable — it holds back entire societies.
When individuals lack the foundation to thrive, communities lose vital contributions to innovation, productivity, and cohesion. Economies grow slower. Social trust erodes.
Piecemeal reforms won’t close these deep-rooted divides. Real change requires action at the start — ensuring every child has an equitable chance at healthy development and quality learning, regardless of family income.
Evidence shows that investing early delivers lasting returns: healthier lives, better-educated citizens, and more resilient, inclusive economies that benefit all.
Our contribution
The Julius Baer Foundation supports programmes that broaden access to quality education and community-based health and wellbeing initiatives, particularly for marginalised groups.
Through partnerships with organisations such as Christel House and One to One Africa in South Africa, Partners in Health in Malawi, Forge Foundation in Mexico, and Baan Dek Foundation in Thailand, we work alongside local leaders to create lasting change.
These projects unite people across different economic backgrounds, fostering collaboration and shared responsibility. By empowering communities to design and lead solutions, we help drive sustainable progress toward greater equity.
PDF 60 facts on wealth inequality and the wealth barrier to health and education
To explore all facts of the fourth edition and examine the consequences of the wealth barrier to health and education, please download the PDF here:
