Health and Poverty Reduction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Health and Poverty Reduction - Essay Example Pakistan is now facing a similar situation. Moreover, apart from the traditional causes of poor health, of which poverty is one reason, the steps taken towards modernity and industrializations are adding to the problems in this area. It is to the credit of Pakistan that there has been rapid industrialization over the years. But the problems associated with it pose new health issues too. One of the fallouts of industrialization in the country has been the rapid growth of cities which in turn has resulted in a shift of rural population to urban areas. According to Pappas, â€Å"the traditional health challenges of poverty, nutrition, and sanitation have remained for many in the country and have been compounded by increases in environmental and occupational problems associated with the rapid growth of cities and industries† (Pappas, 2008). Overcrowded living conditions, pollution, and other stress factors are now contributing to increased incidence of what is generally called lif estyle diseases. The new disease that is rising even among the poor includes cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. The heavy rise in traffic has also resulted in a hike of casualties from road accidents also. It is clear from what has been mentioned above that the link between poverty and health issues are a hindrance to the poverty reductions strategies and policies of a nation. This is because money spent on poverty reduction programs is only one of the issues that concern the population. Unless additional spending is done for improvement of basic health and sanitation in the country, most of the efforts for poverty reduction will remain ineffective. Focusing on improving health alone is also not feasible or practical. One of the effective ways to improve the health sector in Pakistan is to ensure private sector participation: â€Å"In the majority of most poor and middle-income countries - even the most aid-dependent - the biggest source of finance in the health sector is out of pocket expenditure (OOP). This finance is mainly spent in the private sector† (Private Sector Participation in Health). Effective private sector participation that includes corporate, health personnel an d private hospitals, charities and even individuals can also help in the integrated development of health and reduction in poverty. Some initiatives like the Aga Khan Foundation (and University) do exist. More efforts in the area will augment of efforts of the government and the community.