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Infectious diseases are a threat, not only to human lives, but also to the human
way of life, including better education, strong economies and sustainable
environments. In recent months the importance of global health has gained more
attention than ever before. A reduction in infectious diseases would lead to
improved global health, which provides the foundation for:
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Healthier women and children: Infectious diseases are of particular concern for women and children, often compromising the health of women during pregnancy or of children whose immune systems are not fully developed. In fact, childhood infectious diseases remain the top killers worldwide – nearly 70% of all deaths from communicable diseases occur in children under the age of 14.
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Less poverty, fewer orphans: Most infectious diseases have associated costs such as lost productivity or income connected with illness or death, leading to generations of poverty. Lost workdays or absenteeism have impact on both the individual’s personal needs as well as the economy of the country. In some countries, diseases such as HIV/AIDS have wiped out entire generations of workers, parents and teachers leaving millions of orphans.
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Better-educated people: Disease often hampers children's schooling and social development through both absenteeism and permanent neurological and other damage with severe episodes of disease.
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Healthier environments: Land currently off limits for planting because of over-infestation of disease-causing parasites could be reclaimed.
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Strong economies through agricultural/industrial production: Better health means better economies because the work force is stable and productive. It also leads to external investments from people who are willing to invest in stable economies. Estimates from the
World Health Organization show that the combined GDP (gross domestic product) of countries in sub-Saharan
Africa could rise as much as $3-$12 billion a year if malaria were held in check.
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Political and social stability: Infectious disease robs
people, taking away a person's ability to earn a living, take care of
his/her children or move up the economic ladder. A loss of empowerment or control can lead to political and social unrest, further damaging the fabric of a society.
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Human population control: Statistics show that, rather than spark an increase in population because of healthier people, the population will stabilize as potential parents in some developing countries no longer
need to have a large number of children in hopes that a few will survive into adulthood.
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