Decent living gaps
In recent years, defining “decent living standards” (DLS)—the basics for human well-being—has gained attention. This study examines the shortfalls in providing decent health, shelter, nutrition, socialisation, and mobility worldwide. The gaps are stark: in sub-Saharan Africa, over 60% of people fail to meet DLS levels on more than half of the basic needs, like housing, sanitation, and water access. South and Pacific Asia face similar issues, with additional struggles in clean cooking and heating. This study also reveals that in all countries of the global South, DLS shortfalls far outstrip income poverty rates, even at slightly more realistic poverty thresholds.