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There have been remarkable achievements in terms of life expectancy and mortality rates across the globe. The traditional economist accepted health as a by-product of economic prosperity, but was unable to explain the historical gains in health. Our paper discusses the empirical connections by which improvements in health lead to economic growth, and more broadly to human development, and examines health interventions in light of economic development. The review concludes that health is an important contributor to productivity and overall well-being, and this can be achieved through a multisectoral action. It endorses the "health in all policies" and targeting "causes of causes" approaches to achieve sustainable development.
Introduction
The conventional understanding of the relationship between economic growth and health accentuates the power of fiscal improvements to enhance health conditions in countries. It is generally observed that people in rich countries have higher life expectancy, and lower mortality rates. Furthermore, it has been noted that life expectancy increases after economic booms in countries (Frakt, 2018). Preston plotted life expectancy against per capita income and indicated that people in rich countries are likely to live longer than their counterparts from the poorer ones (Preston, 1975). Based on this interpretation, a quest for economic growth in low-income countries has been advocated to achieve spontaneous gains in health improvements. Pritchett and Summers, in their work "Wealthier is healthier" estimated that poor economic performance may have led to half a million child deaths in the developing world in the 1980s (Pritchett & Summers, 1996). There is a great deal of debate about the relative importance of the mechanisms behind the relationship. Long run improvements in life expectancy were initially tied to step-ups on the economic ladder through three propositions: improvement in nutrition, enhancement of public health infrastructure (increased access to clean water and sanitation), and improved access to medical technology (Hussain, 2011). A general understanding which supports this direct relationship is that poverty diminishes the ability of people to make choices and manage their circumstances; consequently, economic necessity forces them to adjust to risky living conditions and professions, leading to ill-health. Therefore, raising the standard of living in populations would affect health in a positive manner.
However, this is a partial comprehension of the concave Preston curve. It also...