The relationship between the health of a population and the state of development of a society is complex and varies over time.

Throughout history, improved health has been one of the main benefits of development.

This benefit results partly from an increase in income and partly from scientific progress in the fight against disease and disability.

This second factor is increasingly important compared to simple economic growth.

Reciprocally, health could be expected to have a favorable effect on development, although this effect is more difficult to detect.

Nevertheless, health can be considered part of a society's capital stock, as long as the essential differences between this type of capital and physical capital are recognized.