Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and chronic obstructive disease predominate the global disease burden, disproportionately affecting low and lower-middle-income countries. It is estimated 82% of premature deaths attributed to NCDs occur in low and lower-middle-income countries, further stressing health systems disproportionately by affecting the poorest populations and hindering their social and economic development.

Since the turn of the century, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have formed the basis of work in health, poverty and development within low- and lower-middle-income countries. Funding alone does not lead to improved health for the less privileged. A universal health care system should be implemented on a non-profit basis and be decentralized to local governments with control over healthcare resources, as they will be in a better position to assess the needs of the region. In addition, modern electronic health methods should be explored to deliver timely healthcare advice and treatments to rural areas in response to healthcare worker shortages.

Finally, resources should be allocated from curing to preventative care in an effort to lessen the cost of delivering health care. Improving health will inevitably lead to improved economic development for the less privileged. For economic development, capital investment is crucial to growth. Investment becomes even more potent when accompanied by market-oriented reforms that introduce profit incentives to rural enterprises and small private businesses.

This combination can unleash a productivity boom that will propel aggregate growth. By encouraging the growth of rural enterprises and not focusing exclusively on the urban industrial sector, countries can successfully move millions of workers off farms and into factories without creating an urban crisis much like the economic reforms employed by China.

Finally, an open-door policy can spur foreign direct investment, creating even more jobs and linking an economy with international markets.