Overview (Poverty)
Poverty is associated with the undermining of a range of key human attributes, including health. The poor are often exposed to greater personal and environmental health risk factors, have less access to health care services, and have limited lifestyle-related choices. They are also more likely to experience discrimination, abuse and exploitation. Conversely, illness can reduce household savings, lower learning ability, reduce productivity, and lead to a diminished quality of life, thereby perpetuating or even increasing poverty.