Poverty and disease: Need for structural change

S. Akbar Zaidi

Social Science & Medicine, 1988, vol. 27, issue 2, 119-127

Abstract: In underdeveloped countries, more than 70% of the population suffers from infectious and communicable diseases. These diseases are transmitted with the help of poor water, sanitation, housing, etc. Further, education and nutrition also affect the vulnerability of the individual. All these factors responsible for disease, are themselves dependent on income--the lower the income, the lower education and nutritional status, and the poorer quality the water, and housing. An increase in the absolute income for some, and a redistribution of income for all, are necessary to cure the ills of society. It is possible to increase the real income of individuals by giving them hand-outs or dealing with the problems of their 'basic needs'. However, these approaches do not take into account the underlying factors responsible for disease, and are severely limited in scope. The elite in a country, who, to a great extent, determine the role of the State and of the government, are only willing to give a certain amount of charity, and nothing more. They will, clearly never give to the poor, so much that their own (relative and absolute) position is threatened. The only way possible is through a government which works for the majority of the people, rather than for a small elite.

Keywords: poverty; inequality; disease; causation; underdeveloped; capitalist; countries; socialist; countries; social; change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1988
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