Poverty drop contrasts with health access deterioration and increased barriers in 2025: Anif
Drop in multidimensional poverty deteriorates health in Colombia. Photo: Héctor Fabio Zamora / Portafolio
TL;DR
- Multidimensional poverty in Colombia decreased to 9.9% in 2025, reaching a single-digit rate for the first time.
- Improvements in poverty reduction were observed in both urban and rural areas, though significant gaps persist.
- Access to healthcare has deteriorated, with increased barriers in rural areas and insufficient recovery in urban centers.
- Financial strain on the health system is linked to longer waiting times and medication delivery delays.
- The labor market shows signs of stagnation, particularly in long-term unemployment, and overall unemployment rates remain high.
- The reduction in poverty may be influenced by lower labor participation rather than a structural improvement in job creation.
- Consolidating poverty reduction requires strengthening healthcare access and revitalizing the labor market.