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Towards a higher priority for health on the development agenda
1Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.
Public Health Reviews
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Investing in health is vital for global development, impacting economic status and child survival rates. Innovative policies, education, and financial strategies are crucial for improving health outcomes, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Economics
- Development Studies
Background:
- International agencies recognize health investment as crucial for development.
- Macroeconomic factors significantly influence national health levels.
- Poverty, population growth, and structural adjustment programs in sub-Saharan Africa pose future health challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted relationship between development policies and health outcomes.
- To identify innovative strategies for addressing health challenges in developing countries.
- To advocate for a broader range of policy options and financial instruments to improve global health.
Main Methods:
- Policy analysis
- Economic impact assessment
- Review of international agency recommendations
Main Results:
- Women's education is strongly linked to child survival.
- Global disarmament offers opportunities for health investment.
- Current urban-centric, expensive hospital models are inefficient and inequitable.
Conclusions:
- A greater focus on information, education, and communication for health is needed.
- Regulation, legislation, taxes, and subsidies are underutilized policy instruments.
- Funding should prioritize areas with high potential for positive externalities and public goods, informed by research.