Poverty and Health

Beyond its intrinsic value to individuals, health is also central to overall human development and poverty reduction. Yet the poor continue to carry a disproportionate burden of ill health. If the health of poor people is to improve, a propoor health approach needs to be put in place and supported by development agencies. The nature of that support will be determined by the country context, particularly in the case of “difficult partnerships”. Scaling up financial resources for health should be a priority, requiring more financing from the budgets of partner countries as well as substantial increases in external support. In addition, greater commitment on the side of partner countries to improve governance and the poverty focus of policies need to be matched by efforts within development agencies to improve the effectiveness of their assistance. DAC GUIDELINES AND REFERENCE SERIES: POVERTY AND HEALTH – ISBN 92-64-10018-0 – © OECD, WHO 2003 1. INVESTING IN HEALTH TO REDUCE POVERTY