Comparisons in Health status

Chapter 12

Developed Countries (Industrialised countries)

Well developed industry, mining or agriculture sectors and therefore enjoy a healthy economy based on trade

Gross domestic product (GDP) the total value of goods and services produced by a country in a year

As a result of good economy, developed countries usually have established healthcare and education systems and experience a longer life expectancy as well as higher literacy and immunisation rates.

Developing Countries

Generally have a lower GDP Less access to technology, poor industry and limited trade

arrangements Their infrastructure is poorly developed and their business and

finance systems are weak Tend to be characterised by higher rates of poverty caused by

debt, colonisation and international trade arrangements and may be further impoverished through the effects of war, conflict or natural disaster.

Developing countries usually have limited healthcare facilities, low literacy rates, and little in social security systems.

They tend to have short life expectancy, high morbidity and low literacy and immunisation rates.

Activity: Similarities and Differences

Developed CountriesDeveloping Countries

Activity: Complete handout

Characteristics of Industrialised and Developing countries (Pg 9 VHETTA)

Go through “Useful comparisons” handout.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Regions

WHO have grouped countries into six regions, which are based on geographical location and therefore each region may include both developing and developed countries.

The regions are:1. Western Pacific (e.g. Australia, NZ, Indonesia,

PNG)2. African Region (e.g. Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia)3. Eastern Mediterranean (e.g. Canada, USA, Brazil,

Ecuador)4. European Region (e.g. Britain, Germany, Hungry)5. South-East Asia Region (e.g. India, Pakistan,

Thailand)

WHO – Three Categories

There are many different levels of developing countries

WHO uses the following three categories to differentiate between countries in each region:

1. High mortality developing countries

2. Low mortality developing countries

3. Developing countries

WHO Strata’s

Five mortality strata on the basis of their level of child and adult mortality

A = Very low child mortality, very low adult mortality

B = Low child mortality, low adult mortality C = Low child mortality, high adult mortality D = High child mortality, high adult mortality E = High child mortality, very high adult

mortality

WHO Strata’s

Countries classified as strata level A can be considered developed while those in strata D or E can be considered developing

It’s more difficult to label the countries in strata B or C as they have low mortality but still face a number of barriers to their health status and economic development.

Pg 305 – 306 map and table

Activity: Mapping and Atlas!

On one world map colour in the countries from each region the same colour

On the second world map colour examples of countries from each strata in the same colour

Activity 11.1 page 384 (Achieving HHD)

The influence of Debt, Colonialism and trade

Debt: International debt has become a major concern

Began in the 1970’s and 1980’s when large loans were made to poor nations by other countries and financial institutions such as the World Bank

The developing countries were encouraged to borrow the funds in order to build infrastructure such as transport systems and to grow crops for export so that their economics would improve

Debt

However, many countries made poor use of the loans, using them to purchase weapons and erect extravagant buildings rather than the intended purpose

They weren’t able to earn enough money to repay their debts so further loans were needed to cover the interest incurred on the previous loans and thus the debts continued to grow

To many developing countries now spend more money on repaying debts rather than on essential services

Debt

These financial burdens on those least able to afford them have become a focus of concern for a number of organisations and even individuals around the globe (e.g. the World Bank has granted more time to repay the loans)

They have also placed conditions on new loans to ensure the borrowing countries use the money to provide education, helathcare and other services.

Colonialism

The colonisers, who include (at different times and in different areas) Britin, Spain, Portugal, Holland and France, exploited raw materials and resources of the colonies in order to support the development of their own trade and industries.

Typically in the regions occupied gold and other minerals were mined, cash crops such as tobacco and coffee were planted and the local population was used as a source of cheap labour.

Colonialism

Before colonisation a large proportion of the countries were self sufficient

When the Europeans arrived the local populations were largely forced to work for the new masters or to grow cash crops for low wages in order to pay taxes that had been introduced

Food shortages developed due to the land becoming unavailable for its previous use and fewer farmers were unable to grow their own food as they were forced to find paid work

Colonialism

As a result many families left the country and moved to the cities and towns in search of work.

Food supplies were uncertain, conditions were crowded and unsanitary and disease were rife. (smallpox)

Many previously colonised countries have regained their independence (East Timor is an example)

Trade

Many developing countries are dependent on exports for income

It is often the wealthier nations who benefit most from trade arrangements

With only a small range of agricultural or mineral products for export, developing countries are vulnerable to the global market and price fluctuations

Trade

If only a small number of countries want to buy their product then the buyer will control the prices

Poor weather or disease affecting crops may force countries to sell at an even lower price in order to earn money they need to repay debt

Other factors limiting their participation in the world market are trade restrictions and taxes placed on imported processed foods.

Activity: Internet

Activity 12.2 Make poverty history pg 308 of textbook