Parities and disparities in attaining global health: the way forward for developing countries
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Date
2003
Authors
Mumah, C. J. S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta Universiry
Abstract
The 20th Century witnessed a revolution in human health and well being. Average life expectancy at birth in many
industrialized countries nearly doubled from around 45 years in 1900 to more than 70 years in 1999 (UN, 1976).
Less developed counties also enjoyed dramatic, albeit less extensive, improvements in living standards and declines
in mortality. However, as some health threats have receded, others have emerged. Some disease causing microbes
have become resistant to medicines commonly used to treat them. Aspects of modern life appear to encourage
unhealthy behavior, such as smoking, high fat diets and risky sexual practices. And, there is substantial gap in
mortality and disability among and within countries. A growing recognition of this disparity prompted the World
Health Organization to mount an international effort to attain "health for all" (WHO, 2000). This paper looks at
trends in health over the past century and identifies the ways that nations could adopt to pursue the goal of better
global health. It explores the multiple factors that determine health, stressing the need for action from the individual
to the international level to improve health.
Description
Paper presented at the Disparities in developing countries types, challenges and the way forward fourth international conference proceedings of the association of third world studies, inc. Kenya Chapter Kenyatta University Nairobi, Kenya September 17th to 19th, 2003