Health
Health
Simple, preventative health measures could help save millions of lives each year
Health is a key factor in the livelihood of a population, but half of the world’s population still lacks access to essential health services. For the 800 million people who spend at least 10% of their household budget on health expenses, becoming trapped in a cycle of poverty is an unfortunate reality. However, preventative health measures, such as immunization, could help save millions of lives each year, making vaccinations one of the world’s most successful and cost-effective health interventions. A healthy population contributes to the economy by being more productive in their everyday lives.
Fast Facts
Almost half of all deaths are now recorded with a cause, meaning improvements are being made globally in collecting vital statistics.
Despite tuberculosis (TB) being a curable disease, there were an estimated 1.4 million TB deaths in 2015.
Since 2000, measles vaccines have prevented more than 15 million deaths.
High health care costs have pushed 100 million people into extreme poverty.
Health is the foundation for growth
When a community has the resources to prevent or overcome disease, families can find the stability to grow and prosper. Students have the energy to focus in class and make the most of every day of learning. Women can plan for and deliver healthy children with bright futures.
Health care means more than just giving out medicine; it means providing families with access to vital information about health and hygiene. Investments in health education help stop diseases from spreading before they put the burden of costly treatments onto families. The entire community benefits when a student learns that washing her hands at school can stop her classmates from getting sick, or when a farmer learns that he can save money by treating an infection before it gets serious.
Health care and health education mean more people have a chance to enjoy lives filled with hope, independence and dignity.
