Core-+Disparity+&+Develop

= Explain the value of the indices in measuring disparities across the globe. = = Define indices of infant mortality, education, nutrition, income, marginalization and human development index (HDI). =

The **Infant Mortality Rate** is the measure of the number of deaths of infants before their first birthday, per 1000 live births a year. The IMR is usually a good indicator of the country’s state of health as infants are more vulnerable to sickness and disease.

Education

Nutrition **Malnutrition** is a general term that indicates a lack of some or all nutritional elements necessary for human health. There are two basic types of malnutrition. The first and most important is protein-energy malnutrition - the lack of enough protein (from meat and other sources) and food that provides energy (measured in calories) which all of the basic food groups provide. This is the type of malnutrition that is referred to when world hunger is discussed. The second type of malnutrition, also very important, is micronutrient (vitamin and mineral) deficiency. This is not the type of malnutrition that is referred to when world hunger is discussed, though it is certainly very important. Undernourishment is the condition of receiving less than 90 percent of the minimum dietary intake over a long-term time period; suffers lack energy for an active, productive life and are more susceptible to infectious diseases.

UNICEF monitors the following indicators for nutrition Birthweight More than 20 million infants are born each year weighing less than 2,500 grams (5.5 pounds), accounting for 17 per cent of all births in the developing world – a rate more than double the level in industrialized countries (7 per cent). Infants with low birthweight are at higher risk of dying during their early months and years. Those who survive are liable to have an impaired immune system and may suffer a higher incidence of such chronic illnesses as diabetes and heart disease in later life.

Exclusive breastfeeding Exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life stimulates babies’ immune systems and protects them from diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections – two of the major causes of infant mortality in the developing world – and improves their responses to vaccination. Particularly in unhygienic conditions, however, breastmilk substitutes carry a high risk of infection and can be fatal in infants. Yet only slightly more than one third of all infants in developing countries are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life.

Iodine An iodine-deficient diet results in insufficient thyroid hormone production, which can prevent normal growth in the brain and nervous system and lead to poor school performance, reduced intellectual ability and impaired work capacity. Iodine deficiency is particularly damaging during early pregnancy and childhood, yet it is easily preventable through the iodization of salt.

Vitamin A Vitamin A is essential for immune system functions and the survival, growth and development of children. The provision of high-dose supplements every four to six months has a dramatic impact on the health of children aged 6–59 months, reducing the risk of mortality by up to 23 per cent.

Iron and anaemia Around two billion people worldwide suffer from anaemia, most commonly iron-deficiency anaemia, a major cause of maternal deaths and of cognitive deficits in young children; it can permanently affect later motor development and school performance. Anaemia also has a negative impact on the economic well-being of individuals, families and national economies.

Marginalisation

Human Development Index (HDI) Since 1990 the United Nations (UN) has urged the use of the HDI as a measure of development. It is more reliable and comprehensive measure of human development and well-being than GNI per head. It includes three basic components of human development:

Longevity (life expectancy) Knowledge (adult literacy & average number of years of schooling) Standard of living (purchasing power adjusted to local cost of living). HDI can be created to show regional and racial variations as well. || Index Low infant mortality rate || High adult literacy rate Balanced education enrolment ratio (male vs female) || High GDP per capita Low employment rate || High infant mortality rate || High adult illiteracy rate High % of adults lacking functional skills Imbalanced education enrolment ratio (low female literacy rate) || Low GDP per capita Long term unemployment rate Lack of access to water, food || High levels of HDI can be achieved without high incomes and high incomes do not guarantee high levels of human development E.g. Pakistan and Vietnam have similar level of income but Vietnam has a higher HDI Government policy is the reason that a country can advance level of human development even with low incomes
 * Longevity || Knowledge || SOL ||
 * High HDI || High life expectancy
 * Low HDI || Low life expectancy (not exceeding 40 years)

Origin of disparity Explain disparities and inequities that occur within countries resulting from ethnicity, residence, parental education, income, employment (formal and informal) and land ownership. Identify and explain the changing patterns and trends of regional and global disparities of life expectancy, education and income. Examine the progress made in meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in poverty reduction, education and health.

Reducing disparities Discuss the different ways in which disparities can be reduced with an emphasis on trade and market access, debt relief, aid and remittances. Evaluate the effectiveness of strategies designed to reduce disparities.