Health and development facts Over the past 50 years there have been rapid improvements in health. This has been most evident in developing countries where: life expectancy has increased from 46 to 66 years; infant mortality has been reduced by 50%; more than 80% of children are immunised against the major vaccine-preventable diseases; smallpox has veen eradicated; the last known case was in Somalia in October 1977; there have been major advances in medical technology and in the development and availability of drugs; At the same time there are increasing pressures on health. In the poorest countries three out of every four people die before they reach fifty. Ten million children die before reaching their fifth birthday. Non-communicable diseases have increased as people in developing countries suffer from lifestyle diseases, injuries, and environmental pollution. Diseases once considered under control, such as tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, have re-emerged as major problems. Twenty million people are ill with TB, 95% of whom live in developing countries. Nearly two million people die from TB every year. At least 30 new diseases have emerged over the past 20 years including HIV/AIDS and viral haemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola. Contents Case Studies Health and development facts Background: Health Australian response to health and development The global agenda Other useful resources More links   © Commonwealth of Australia