I was really interested in our Friday discussion about cause and effect relationships regarding poverty and health. I do not know how we should decide what we base our comparisons off. I agree that since countries with similar geographies have to deal with similar issues, but there are so many variables to consider, such as a history as a European colony. Since I am not an expert on any of this, I looked up some interesting statistics.
In 2003, Niger and Eritrea were on the same economic level in terms of GDP per capita, but Eritrea had a 91% child survival rate compared to Niger’s 74%. India and Eritrea had the same child survival rate, but India’s average income was 3 times higher. Vietnam had the same GDP per capita as India, but higher child survival. However, South Africa had 3 times the average income per person of Vietnam, but the child survival rate is significantly lower. South Africa was on the same economic level as Malaysia, but Malaysia’s child survival rate was 6.3% higher. The United States had 4 times Malaysia’s GDP per capita, but similar child survival rate. However, Singapore and Sweden have higher child survival rates than the US even though the US had a higher GDP per capita. (http://www.gapminder.org/downloads/presentations/human-development-trends-2005.html)
These statistics make the point clear that there are many factors that determine the state of each nation. Unfortunately, people love to compare things, because that is how we understand things. In this case, we should look at countries individually to solve poverty and health problems in that country. We are not going to find a panacea for poverty. Aid has to be specialized for the particular problems of each nation. If two countries are having problems with child survival, the causes of the problem may differ. We cannot generalize in regards to eradicating poverty.
1 comment:
I agree with your point, and that's why I think that small non-profit/NGOs can generally be more effective (or at least more efficient at effecting positive change) than large ones; the large NGOs tend to be all about "hey guys, let's throw money at Poverty In General until it goes away", whereas small NGOs tend to be more like "hey, let's look at this specific village and what we can do to help them via sustainable development".
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