Conference on Health Improvements for Economic Growth
A project of the
CID Growth Lab
Wednesday, 30 May - Thursday, 31 May
2007
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Hosted by the Center for
International Development
Supported by the Bill
and Melinda Gates Foundation
Conference Overview |
Agenda |
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Currently, there exists considerable controversy regarding how important health is as a determinant of economic growth. At one end of the spectrum are those who claim that disease is the most important factor constraining growth in many poor countries, so that a successful intervention to fight disease would produce a large economic benefit. At the other end of the spectrum are those who argue that disease eradication, while hugely valuable in humanitarian terms, has historically had no effect on GDP per capita.
In this closed session, scholars will provide their informed perspectives on the question of how improvements in health translate into economic growth. First, participants will present relevant research papers on the general issue of how health affects economic growth. Second, attendees will address the concrete scenario of, "Suppose that today, an intensive anti-malarial program was instituted in Zambia so that within two years the incidence of the disease fell to nearly zero. Compare the level of GDP per capita in Zambia twenty years from now under this scenario to the level of GDP per capita that would have been observed if the anti-malarial program had not been instituted."
Following the workshop, authors will condense their views into a digest that offers a readable text on health and growth for distribution to policy makers across the globe.
Conference Overview |
Agenda |
Papers |
Participants
Accommodations |
Transportation
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Copyright
© 2007 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College.
Last revised
03/15/2007