Childhood Precursors of Adult Morbidity and Mortality In Developing Countries : Implications for Health Programs

This paper will examine only one aspect of this health transition in developing countries. It will look at the emerging health problems among the adults and the aged and assess to what degree these chronic diseases and disabilities might be a consequence of infectious diseases and other adverse conditions which were experienced decades earlier in infancy and childhood. A recognition of these relationships can enhance our understanding of the cost-effectiveness and cost benefits of programs to promote child health. Child health interventions are not only cost-effective in saving lives and preventing disabilities in the short run but, more importantly, in the long run can result in major cost savings to health systems and accelerate national development by improving the health and productivity of these children when they become adults.A version of this paper was first presented at the Workshop on Policy and Planning Implications of the Epidemiological Transition In Developing Countries sponsored by The Committee on Population of the National Academy of Sciences Washington, D.C. November 20.22, 1991. Partial support for the work was provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development under Child Survival Cooperative Agreement DPE-5951-A-00-5051