Global Poverty

Abstract

In rich countries there is relative poverty — some are poor relative to others who are affluent. In poor countries there is absolute poverty — people do not have enough income to meet their basic needs for food, clean water, clothing, shelter, sanitation, health services and education. Millions of people in poor countries are absolutely poor. As a result, they suffer hunger and malnutrition, which cause vulnerability to disease, from which millions, especially children, die. Thus, poverty causes high infant mortality, shorter life expectancy, stunted child development, misery and premature death for millions of people in the world today. ‘Absolute poverty is probably the principal cause of human misery today.’²