Global Health & Human Development: Income, Health, and Sustainability exam questions and answers

Gross National Income (GNI) per capita

A measure used to classify countries into income groups.

Low-income countries

Countries characterized by high poverty, reliance on agriculture, limited global trade, and underdeveloped industries.

Middle-income countries

Countries with transitional economies, developing infrastructure, moderate poverty, and growing industries.

High-income countries

Countries with high incomes, low poverty, and diverse industries including advanced services and technology.

Income inequality

A limitation of GNI per capita as it is an average and does not show income distribution within a country.

Social characteristics of low-income countries

High unemployment, low education access, and gender inequality.

Social characteristics of middle-income countries

Improving education, better gender equality, and challenges in healthcare/social support.

Social characteristics of high-income countries

High education, political stability, strong social security, and human rights protection.

Environmental characteristics of low-income countries

Poor infrastructure, unsafe housing/sanitation, and high disaster vulnerability.

Environmental characteristics of middle-income countries

Developing infrastructure, variable sanitation/water, and moderate emissions.

Environmental characteristics of high-income countries

Advanced infrastructure, food security, but high emissions.

Life expectancy in high-income countries

Generally higher due to better healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, and income levels.

Life expectancy in low-income countries

Often lower due to higher child mortality, poor healthcare access, and communicable diseases.

Child mortality difference

Much higher in low-income countries due to malnutrition, unsafe water, and lack of healthcare.

Double burden of disease

Presence of both communicable diseases (e.g. malaria, diarrhoea) and non-communicable diseases (e.g. diabetes, cancer) in middle-income countries.

Health challenges in high-income countries

Non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity.

Health challenges in low-income countries

Communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and diarrhoeal disease.

Human Development Index (HDI)

A composite measure of life expectancy, education, and income (GNI per capita).

Dimensions of HDI

Health (life expectancy), Education (mean years of schooling & expected years of schooling), Standard of living (GNI per capita).

Limitations of HDI

Does not measure inequalities, discrimination, or human rights issues.

HDI

Provides a broader view of development than income alone.

GNI

Differences in education, healthcare access, and life expectancy can cause two countries with similar GNI to have different HDI scores.

Poverty

Deprivation of resources that leads to poor nutrition, unsafe housing, limited healthcare/education.

Discrimination

Restricts access to healthcare, education, employment, and increases stress/mental illness.

Global marketing

Increased tobacco, alcohol, and processed food consumption leading to higher non-communicable diseases in low/middle-income countries.

Access to safe water and sanitation

Lack of access leads to diarrhoeal disease, cholera, parasitic infections, and high child mortality.

Environmental sustainability

Using natural resources responsibly so they are available for future generations.

Example of environmental sustainability

Reducing fossil fuel use, promoting renewable energy.

Social sustainability

Creating equitable societies that meet citizens' needs and rights.

Example of social sustainability

Providing universal education and healthcare systems.

Economic sustainability

Ensuring financial resources are used efficiently to promote growth without depleting future resources.

Example of economic sustainability

Investing in job creation and fair trade.

SDGs

17 global goals created by the UN to address poverty, inequality, and sustainability by 2030.

SDG 3

"Good Health and Wellbeing." Aim: ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages.

SDG 1

Focuses on ending poverty in all its forms everywhere.

SDG 2

Focuses on ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Link between SDG 3 and SDG 1

Poverty reduction improves access to healthcare, safe housing, and nutrition.

Link between SDG 3 and SDG 2

Improved food security reduces malnutrition, boosting immune function and life expectancy.

WHO

World Health Organization.

WHO's mission

To promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.

WHO strategic priorities

Achieving Universal Health Coverage, Addressing Health Emergencies, Promoting Healthier Populations.

WHO support for universal health coverage

Strengthening healthcare systems, increasing trained workers, and promoting access to essential medicines.

WHO address health emergencies

Early detection, rapid response, building resilience to outbreaks and disasters.

WHO promote healthier populations

Tackling non-communicable diseases, reducing maternal/child mortality, addressing environmental risks.