TY  - JOUR
AU  - Soares,Rodrigo R.
TI  - On the Determinants of Mortality Reductions in the Developing World
JF  - National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper Series
VL  - No. 12837
PY  - 2007
Y2  - January 2007
UR  - http://www.nber.org/papers/w12837
L1  - http://www.nber.org/papers/w12837.pdf
N1  - Author contact info:
Rodrigo R. Soares
Departamento de Economia
PUC-Rio
Rua Marques de Sao Vicente, 225 - Gavea
22451-900
Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Brazil
Tel:  5521/3257-1078
Fax: 5521/3257-1084
E-Mail: soares@econ.puc-rio.br
AB  - This paper presents and critically discusses a vast array of evidence on the determinants of mortality reductions in developing countries. We argue that increases in life expectancy between 1960 and 2000 were largely independent from improvements in income and nutrition. We then characterize the age and cause of death profile of changes in mortality and ask what can be learned about the determinants of these changes from the international evidence and from country-specific studies. Public health infrastructure, immunization, targeted programs, and the spread of less palpable forms of knowledge all seem to have been important factors. Much of the recent debate has revolved around antagonistic approaches, which are not supported by the evidence discussed here. Finally, the paper suggests that the evolution of health inequality across and within countries is intrinsically related to the process of diffusion of new technologies and to the nature of these new technologies (public or private).
ER  -