On the Determinants of Mortality Reductions in the Developing World

Rodrigo Soares

No 12837, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: This paper presents and critically discusses a vast array of evidence on the determinants of mortality reductions in developing countries. We argue that increases in life expectancy between 1960 and 2000 were largely independent from improvements in income and nutrition. We then characterize the age and cause of death profile of changes in mortality and ask what can be learned about the determinants of these changes from the international evidence and from country-specific studies. Public health infrastructure, immunization, targeted programs, and the spread of less palpable forms of knowledge all seem to have been important factors. Much of the recent debate has revolved around antagonistic approaches, which are not supported by the evidence discussed here. Finally, the paper suggests that the evolution of health inequality across and within countries is intrinsically related to the process of diffusion of new technologies and to the nature of these new technologies (public or private).

JEL-codes: I10 I18 J1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-dev, nep-hea and nep-knm
Note: EH
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (64)

Published as Rodrigo R. Soares, 2007. "On the Determinants of Mortality Reductions in the Developing World," Population and Development Review, The Population Council, Inc., vol. 33(2), pages 247-287.

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Journal Article: On the Determinants of Mortality Reductions in the Developing World (2007)
Working Paper: On the determinants of mortality reductions in the developing world (2006)
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