Question

(Related to the Apply the Concept on page 742) In his book The White Man's Burden, William Easterly reported: A vaccination campaign in southern Africa virtually eliminated measles as a killer of children. Routine childhood immunization combined with measles vaccination in seven southern African nations starting in 1996 virtually eliminated measles in those countries by \(2000 . \mathrm{A}\) national campaign in Egypt to make parents aware of the use of oral rehydration therapy from 1982 to 1989 cut childhood deaths from diarrhea by 82 percent over that period. a. Is it likely that real GDP per capita increased significantly in southern Africa and Egypt as a result of the near elimination of measles and the large decrease in childhood deaths from diarrhea? If these events did not increase real GDP per capita, is it still possible that they increased the standard of living in southern Africa and Egypt? Briefly explain. b. Which seems more achievable for a developing country: the elimination of measles and childhood deaths from diarrhea or sustained increases in real GDP per capita? Briefly explain.

Short answer

Yes, it's likely that the real GDP per capita increased in southern Africa and Egypt due to these health improvements, since a healthier population is more productive. Even if these events didn't directly increase GDP per capita, they certainly improved the standard of living by reducing the loss and suffering associated with childhood diseases. The elimination of certain diseases and decrease in childhood mortality might be more achievable for a developing country than sustained increases in GDP per capita, but both aspects are interlinked and tend to influence each other.

Step-by-step solution

Part A - Impact on GDP per Capita and Standard of Living

1. GDP per capita is a measure of a country's economic output per person. It is enhanced not only by increasing production but also by a healthy and productive workforce. The elimination of diseases, such as measles, and significant decrease in childhood deaths can contribute to this by creating a healthier society that can work more efficiently and longer. This can potentially increase real GDP per capita. 2. Even if these health improvements didn't directly boost GDP per capita, they certainly raised the standard of living. Reducing the number of deaths from childhood diseases means fewer families suffer the loss of a child, which has a profound positive influence on the quality of life. In addition, healthier children means less time and money spent on medical care, leaving more resources for other activities that also improve the standard of living.

Part B - Comparing Health Improvement and GDP Increase

It might be more achievable for a developing country to eliminate certain diseases and lower childhood mortality rates than to have sustained increases in GDP per capita. This is because disease elimination measures like vaccination campaigns often require less financial resources compared to the infrastructural and institutional developments needed for economic growth. However, it's important to note that both aspects are interlinked and progress in health can lead to economic progress and vice versa.

Key concepts

Real GDP per Capita

Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita is a crucial economic indicator that measures the average economic output or income generated for each person in a country, adjusted for inflation. It's computed by dividing the real GDP of a country by its total population. An increase in real GDP per capita is generally associated with higher productivity and prosperity.

Improvements in public health, like widespread immunization and successful initiatives to combat childhood diseases, have the potential to positively influence this economic measure. Healthier populations are often more productive as individuals can work more efficiently, take fewer sick days, and contribute to the economy for a longer duration of their lives. This in turn can lead to an increase in the country's GDP. However, the direct correlation between health improvements and a significant jump in real GDP per capita might not be immediately evident, as factors like education, technology, and infrastructure also play critical roles in economic growth.

Standard of Living

The standard of living refers to the level of wealth, comfort, material goods, and necessities available to a certain socioeconomic class or geographic area. It includes not only financial wealth but also factors such as health, education, environmental quality, and personal safety.

Health improvements, especially in a young population, greatly enhance a society's standard of living independent of economic measures such as real GDP per capita. For example, the successful reduction of childhood diseases is likely to result in fewer expenses related to healthcare, a reduction in the emotional and social burden on families, and an overall increase in the well-being of the community. These qualitative improvements contribute to the general prosperity and happiness of a population, underlining the importance of health interventions for improving the standard of living.

Childhood Immunization

Childhood immunization has been a game-changer in public health, greatly reducing morbidity and mortality from preventable diseases. Vaccines protect not only the vaccinated individual but also the community by establishing herd immunity. This is particularly important for children, who are more vulnerable to complications from diseases such as measles.

Health-related expenditures can be a significant economic burden for families and countries especially in developing regions. Using immunization to prevent diseases can reduce both direct costs (like medical expenses) and indirect costs (such as lost income due to caring for sick children). These savings allow for resources to be allocated elsewhere, potentially contributing to economic development and growth.

Disease Elimination in Developing Countries

Targeting disease elimination in developing countries is often seen as a more viable immediate objective compared to achieving sustained increases in real GDP per capita. Diseases such as measles and diarrhea are preventable with relatively low-cost solutions like vaccination and oral rehydration therapy, respectively.

Disease elimination campaigns can greatly reduce child mortality rates, which is a strong indicator of a country's development progress. Furthermore, they can contribute to long-term economic development by creating a healthier workforce and reducing long-term healthcare costs. Investing in health infrastructure and disease prevention can play a vital role in a country's journey towards economic improvement and a higher standard of living.