Poverty related conditions are diseases that are more prevalent in low-income populations. They include infectious diseases, diseases associated with Malnutrition and Poor Health Standards.
Poverty is one of the significant Social Determinant of Health. According to a report, diseases of poverty account for 48% [High Poverty Rate] which are preventable with existing interventions. Disorders of poverty are often pervasive with Malnutrition.
Poverty escalates the chance of having these diseases as—the deprivation of shelter, safe drinking water, nutritious food, sanitation, and access to health services, contribute towards poor health behaviors. These conditions act as a barrier for economic growth for affected people and families, which in turn results in deprivation in the community.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Malaria, and Tuberculosis have been acknowledged as Infectious Diseases that disproportionately affect rural India. Poverty and infectious diseases are very closely related.
Why Does India remain poor– Contributing factors
Attributes are–Social and Ecological reasons.
For many environmental and social factors, including inadequate housing, bad working conditions, and improper sanitation, the underprivileged are likely to be exposed to infectious diseases. Malnutrition, mental stress, overwork, insufficient knowledge, and minimal health care can hinder recovery and exacerbate the condition. Malnutrition is associated with 57% of childhood deaths from diseases of poverty. Lack of skilled attendants during childbirth is the reason for high maternal and infant death rates among the inferior group.
That the reduction in poverty has not been impressive has also been pointed out by a report released in January 2020 by government think-tank NITI Aayog. Going by the states’ progress on poverty reduction, India is way behind the ‘zero poverty line’.
So, why are we not able to raise people above the poverty line despite giving huge funds into Anti-Poverty Programs?
Well, there could be three reasons—
One–our poverty reduction rate is not adequate for the given level of poverty: India has 220 million poor according to the last poverty count.
Two–we may be adding more poor people to the existing list.
Three–we may be temporarily raising people above poverty levels, but not being able to keep them there.
With the above scenario– a significant number of poor has turned chronic poor.
Most of the chronic poor live in natural resource-dense areas — most likely in forest areas. Their dependence on natural resources is high. Also, they have a long history of being poor and, thus, cannot absorb unforeseen natural shocks like disasters or personal emergencies like health issues and so on.
With each disaster, with each health cost and with each government decision that impacts these factors, weak people take the first and fast step towards chronic poverty.
Our team EKAM Foundation can help society and the residents to come out of this dreadful situation.
Connect with us at www.ekamoneness.org to see how we can help improve the wellbeing of our people.
