Deficiencies of developing countries

Nature

The causes of underdevelopment lie in deficiencies in developing countries which lack the internal conditions necessary to initiate and maintain a healthy development process. Such conditions include: inadequate capital, lack of skills, lack of work motivation. The are exacerbated by corruption in government, difficult geographical and climatic conditions and lack of western organizational habits and work values.

Incidence

According to the United Nations Development Programme, over 85% of the world’s population living in extreme poverty reside in developing countries, with Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia most affected (UNDP Human Development Report 2023, https://hdr.undp.org/). These regions face persistent deficiencies in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and access to clean water, contributing to low Human Development Index (HDI) scores and limited economic growth.
In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated deficiencies in India’s healthcare system, with severe shortages of hospital beds, oxygen, and medical supplies leading to widespread suffering and mortality, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Claim

The deficiencies plaguing developing countries are a critical global issue that demands urgent attention. Widespread poverty, inadequate healthcare, and lack of education stifle potential and perpetuate cycles of inequality. These deficiencies not only hinder individual progress but also threaten global stability and economic growth. Addressing these challenges is not merely a moral obligation; it is essential for fostering a more equitable and prosperous world. We must prioritize solutions to uplift these nations and empower their citizens.

Counter-claim

Although such deficiencies contribute to the difficulties of developing countries, they are relatively unimportant compared to the ways in which external market forces prevent poor countries from gaining access to an equitable share of world resources and ensuring the most appropriate forms of development.