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SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ZOONOTIC DISEASES
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Introduction
Economic status
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The per capita GNP is the most widely accepted measure of general economic performance.
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There can be no doubt that in many developing countries, the economic progress has been the major factor in reducing morbidity of zoonotic diseases, increasing life expectancy and improving the quality of life.
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The economic status determines the family size, standard of living, quality of life, purchasing power and the pattern of disease.
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It is also an important factor in seeking health care.
Education
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Education is a another major factor influencing health status of human population (especially female education).
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The illiteracy closely coincides with poverty, malnutrition, illhealth, high infant and child mortality rates.
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For example, the small State in India, Kerala has lowest estimated infant mortality rate when compared to other States in India. A major factor in the low infant mortality of Kerala is its highest female literacy rate.
Occupation
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Employment promotes health, because the unemployed usually show a higher incidence of illhealth and death.
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For many, loss of work may mean loss of income and status.
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It can cause psychological and social damage.
Political system
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Health is also related to the country’s political system.
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Often the main obstacles to the implementation of health technologies are not technical, but rather political.
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Decisions concerning resource allocation, manpower policy, choice of technology and the degree to which health services are made available and accessible to different segments of the society are examples of the manner in which the political system can shape community health services.
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The percentage of GNP spent on health is quantitative indicator of political commitment.
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To achieve the goal of health for all, WHO has set the target of at least 5 per cent expenditure on each country’s GNP on health care.
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What is needed is political commitment and leadership which is oriented towards social development, and not merely economic development.
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If poor health patterns are to be changed, then changes must be made in the entire sociopolitical system in any given community.
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Social, economic and political actions are required to eliminate health hazards in people’s working and living environments.
The negative effects of zoonoses
- Loss of man-hour and man-day
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Loss of labour productivity
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Monetary loss
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Adverse effect on morale of personnel
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Unfavourable publicity
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Medicolegal implications
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Reduced travel and tourism to the affected areas
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Reduced livestock and food production
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Death and destruction of affected animals
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Restriction on and reduction in international trade of animals
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Loss of country’s economy
Social and economical features in developing countries
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Most people in the developing countries live in rural areas and semi-urban areas
- The joint family set up, is a strong binding force
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People depend mainly on agriculture and there is a lack of alternative employment opportunities
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The low production and consumption per capita among rural people
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The economic potential of the rural community is not fully realized
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Problem of unemployment
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Exploitation of natural resources and soil fertility
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Partial and/or non application of science and technology in rural areas
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Low level of literacy
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Poor quality of life due to scarcity of essential goods, facilities and money
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Poor communications and transport facilities isolates rural human community from urban
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Unfavourable environment in rural areas predisposing to communicable diseases and malnutrition
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The medical services provided by the State has not been fully utilized by the rural community
Social and economical features in developed countries
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Urban life style with most residents
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Impersonal urban life, that differs from rural/village life
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Women are economically employed
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Agriculture is second to industry
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High standard of living and quality of life
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The adult literacy is almost universal
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Participants