<Author>Aaron</Author>
<Topic></Topic>
<Nationality>USA</Nationality>
It is very difficult to form an accurate assessment of health gains in developing countries from 1960-1990, or any other period, for that matter. First, developing countries have not all experienced the same gains. While some have experienced tremendous progress, others have experienced no gains or even decline. Second, statistics in developing countries tend to be suspect. Sometimes, statisticians exaggerate health gains to appease local officials. In other cases, federal governments may exaggerate health problems in hope of attracting more aid from international relief agencies such as the World Bank.
Be that as it may, health in developing countries is often measured in terms of life expectancy, infant mortality, and access to medical care. From 1960-1990, life expectancy and medical care access increased for most developing countries, while infant mortality generally declined. This, however, is a broad statement with many exceptions. In addition to differing experiences and bad statistics, health gains do not always correspond to linear increases or decreases. For examplein times of war, famine, or political turmoil, health standards will decrease. They may rapidly increase in the aftermath of such traumatic events, or stagnate at low levels. This makes calculation more difficult still.
While many health gains can be reported, the question is yet unanswered. Hopefully, optimistic projections are correct and the world will continue to improve its people's health.