Health

Morbidity is both a cause and symptom of poverty. Sufficient access to healthcare is the linchpin of developmental transition as it is an essential prerequisite for communities to thrive. Across the developing world, infant mortality is most commonly attributable to epidemics of diahorrea, dehydration and infectious disease, of which the vast majority of cases are easily curable with simple medical intervention. Outcomes of health are conditional upon:

• Availability and affordability of facilities
• Cultural acceptability of services
• Knowledge of nutrition, hygiene, reproductive health, and general wellbeing
• Opportunity for exercise, recreation, a healthy diet and safe drinking water
• Acceptance of immunisation and contraception

In order to leave a lasting legacy, health-centred initiatives must prioritise prevention rather than treatment. Education and training is fundamental in building the healthcare capacity of communities which will in turn lift the productivity of livelihoods.