Hans Rosling: The River of Myths

Summary

The world has significantly improved over the past 50 years. Initially, many countries had high child mortality rates and large families. However, as child mortality decreased, women chose to have fewer children, allowing more investment in each child. Ethiopia exemplifies this progress, with substantial improvements in health services and family planning reducing child mortality. While challenges remain, especially in remote regions, Ethiopia's progress demonstrates that the poorest countries can achieve similar advancements. By 2030, it is possible that no countries will remain in the 'developing world' box if progress is continually measured and addressed.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The world my father told me about 50 years ago was a divided world.
• 📊 Each bubble represents a country, with size indicating population and color representing continents.
• 👶 Vertical axis shows child mortality rates, horizontal axis shows number of babies born per woman.
• 👩‍👧‍👦 Most countries had high child mortality rates and high birth rates 50 years ago.
• 📈 Over the past 50 years, child mortality rates have fallen in almost all countries.
• 📉 As child mortality fell, women chose to have fewer babies.
• 🌍 By 1990, some developing countries had already significantly reduced child mortality and birth rates.
• 🌱 Ethiopia made dramatic improvements in child mortality and birth rates after 1990.
• 🏙️ The capital Addis Ababa has low child mortality, but some regions like Somali still have high rates.
• 🚀 With proper health services and family planning, even the poorest countries can improve.

Q & A

What was the state of the world 50 years ago in terms of child mortality and number of babies born per woman?

50 years ago, most countries had high child mortality rates, with many families losing one or more children. Women had six to seven children on average.

How has the world improved in the last 50 years regarding child mortality and birth rates?

In the last 50 years, child mortality rates have fallen in almost all countries, and as a result, women chose to have fewer children, allowing them to invest more resources in each child.

What were the major factors contributing to the decline in child mortality and birth rates?

The decline in child mortality and birth rates was due to improved access to health services, better family planning, and well-spent aid in rural areas.

What changes occurred in developing countries by 1990?

By 1990, some developing countries had significantly reduced child mortality rates and birth rates, moving towards better health outcomes.

How did Ethiopia's situation change after 1990?

After 1990, Ethiopia saw a dramatic decrease in child mortality due to improved health services and family planning, allowing women to have fewer babies.

What regional differences exist within Ethiopia regarding child mortality?

Within Ethiopia, there are regional differences, with the capital Addis Ababa having lower child mortality rates, while remote areas like the Somali region still face high child mortality.

What is the significance of Ethiopia's progress for other poor countries?

Ethiopia's progress shows that it is possible for the poorest countries to follow a similar path, improving health outcomes and reducing child mortality.

What is the potential future scenario for the world by 2030 if current trends continue?

If current trends continue, by 2030, there could be no countries left in the high child mortality and high birth rate category that was once called the developing world.

Why is measuring the progress of countries important?

Measuring the progress of countries is important to ensure that improvements in health and development are accurately tracked and sustained over time.

What is the 'river of myths' mentioned in the script?

The 'river of myths' refers to the outdated perceptions and misconceptions about the state of development in various countries, which can only be dispelled through accurate measurement and data.