Health disparities represent one of the most pressing challenges facing global health systems today. Despite unprecedented advances in medical knowledge and technology, profound inequalities persist both between and within countries, preventing billions of people from achieving their fundamental right to health. This Situation Report provides a comprehensive assessment of global health disparities, examining the complex web of factors that create and perpetuate health inequalities worldwide. The evidence reveals stark contrasts in life expectancy, access to care and health literacy. Within countries, marginalized populations, including ethnic minorities, indigenous communities, rural populations and the economically disadvantaged, consistently experience worse health outcomes and reduced access to quality healthcare.