
Health is not only a basic human right, but also a key precondition to economic development. The burden of disease in some low-income regions, especially sub-Saharan Africa, is a major challenge to economic growth and must therefore be addressed directly in any comprehensive development strategy. This burden includes severe undernutrition and devastating diseases associated with extreme poverty— such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, neglected tropical diseases and tuberculosis—as well as non-communicable diseases like depression, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The world has reached an unprecedented level of scientific knowledge, technology and economic resources. This point in history marks both the most opportune and most crucial moment to apply our collective know-how and resources to address health issues faced by the world's 1.1 billion citizens living in poverty.
Stronger health systems will have significant and wide-reaching impacts on the potential of societies to develop. With increased prevention of morbidity, faster and more effective resolution of prevalent illnesses, and overall nurturing of healthier communities, people can learn more effectively, work more efficiently, parent more supportively and become more productive members of their communities.
The Center for Global Health and Economic Development (CGHED) plays a central role in the Earth Institute’s work to address these issues. Through understanding and addressing global health challenges, CGHED mobilizes and develops the Earth Institute’s global health programs to enable low-resource countries achieve quality health systems for the poor, sustainable economic development, and the Millennium Development Goals.
Tech for Change, - This blog shares insight and experiences from the frontlines of innovative mobile technology use in support of humanitarian work worldwide, ZDNet UK
May13th, 2009
'Maama' Kits promote safe deliveries in Uganda, Relief Web
March 8, 2009
New Funding for Global Helath Training, NIH News
May 12, 2009
PBS Documents Progress in Rwanda
On the Ground - Health Expert Josh Ruxin's blog from Rwanda and elsewhere, New York Times
Mobile Telephony to Reach 400,000 People in Remote African Villages, Cellular-News