The state of health as a reflection of the level of development of a nation

Abstract

This paper attempts to demonstrate that the state of health is a good indicator of the level of development of a nation. Defining health as a physical and mental condition of an individual, it argues that a nation is healthy if the mental and physical needs of the generality of its citizens are adequately met. These needs include not only health services and available physicians and hospitals, but also good nutrition and water supply, comfortable housing, literacy, as well as a generally clean environment and habits. Reviewing the various ways development has been defined and measured, the paper pointed out a major shortcoming--the neglect of individual well-being. It maintains, however, that this shortcoming has been recognized and that efforts to rectify it have tended to illuminate the relationship between health and development. Health therefore becomes both a factor in and a powerful indicator of development. The paper then tries to relate certain health problems to the level of development. Finally, some of the implications of the discussion for development are highlighted.