Human development since 1960

The developing countries have made significant progress towards human development in the last three decades. They increased life expectancy at birth from 46 years in 1960 to 62 years in 1987. They halved the mortality rates for children under five and immunised two-thirds of all one-year-olds against major childhood diseases. The developing countries also made primary health care accessible to 61% of their people and safe water to 55% (80% in urban areas). In addition, they increased the per capita calorie supply by about 20% between 1965 and 1985.

Related Subject(s): Economic and Social Development