Free trade myths and realities # 1

Myth: Trade and globalization is causing the rampant spread of infectious diseases

Reality: Trade and globalization have significantly reduced rates of infant mortality and increased life
expectancy. Increased commerce and cheaper, faster transport means that there are more people are on the move now than ever before, which in principle could lead to increased spread of diseases such as SARS. However, increased commerce has also led to increased wealth and to improved technologies. As a result, the burden of disease has declined in both rich and poor countries. For much of human history, life expectancy was between 20 and 30 years. By 1998 it had increased to 66.9 years worldwide.