Definition
Health is defined as “a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (WHO 1978). In this regard, well-being is understood “as how people feel and how they function, both on a personal and social level, and how they evaluate their lives as a whole” (New Economics Foundation 2012). This means that health is not only one of the factors contributing to individual well-being, but it also plays a role on how we all contribute as part of a society. If an individual is healthy as opposed to suffering from ill-health, they can work (economic function) and be more productive, which ultimately means increased capability to contribute to economic activities. This will make their individual income grow (they receive a salary for their work), but it will also make the global economy grow, raising countries’ GDP levels.
The Relationship Between Health, Development, and Economic Growth
Introduction
Traditionally, GDP (Gross...
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Fernandez, R.M. (2019). Gross Domestic Product and Health. In: Leal Filho, W., Wall, T., Azul, A., Brandli, L., Özuyar, P. (eds) Good Health and Well-Being. Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69627-0_83-1
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