Health and Demography

Kerala’s health and demographic record is often cited as a model for the developing world: long life expectancy, low infant mortality and low fertility. That success has produced a new set of problems that the existing system was not designed for.

Why it matters

Diabetes, hypertension, cancer and mental illness now account for most ill health. The population is ageing faster than in most of India, and many older people live without working age children nearby. Families still pay a significant share of health costs themselves. Meanwhile, the state has had to respond to outbreaks of new and returning infections. Each of these demands decisions about money, staff and institutions.

How we work

• Primary care. We study how family health centres and community health workers are adapting to chronic disease care.
• Ageing. We examine pensions, long term care, elder abuse and the role of local governments in caring for older citizens.
• Health spending. We track public health budgets and the cost of care to households.
• Preparedness. We document how outbreaks were handled and what systems remain in place for the next one.

The vertical draws on demographers, doctors, economists and social workers, and works with the Employment and Economy verticals on migration and its effect on families.