A new study conducted by researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp) has unveiled significant regional disparities in mortality rates from infections among patients hospitalized under the Unified Health System (SUS) in São Paulo state. The research analyzed over 30 million hospital admissions over a span of 12 years, focusing on the three main infectious causes of hospitalization: pneumonia, sepsis, and urinary tract infections. While these infections occur at similar frequencies across various municipalities, the study findings indicate a stark difference in mortality rates, indicating a troubling inequality in healthcare outcomes based on geographical location.

The study suggests that the observed differences in mortality are not solely due to the infectious agents themselves but rather stem from a complex interplay of various factors. These include demographics, healthcare infrastructure, the organization of health services, and access to appropriate antibiotics. Regions with lower healthcare quality or less access to essential medical resources tend to show higher death rates from infections, raising concerns about the efficiency and equity of the SUS healthcare system in addressing these critical health challenges.

Carlos Kiffer, a professor involved in the study, emphasizes that the findings underscore the necessity for policymakers to address these inequalities. Improving healthcare access and quality across all regions is essential to ensure that all patients receive adequate treatment for infections, thereby reducing the mortality rates that disproportionately affect certain areas. The study was supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation (Fapesp) and highlights the urgent need for reform in the healthcare system to bridge these gaps.