DATA ANALYSIS ASSIGNMENT
BY: SHAURYA GUPTA
COURSE: B.A.(HONS.) ECONOMICS
ROLL: 2115240
SUBMITTED TO: MR SIDDHARTH CHANDRA BHUPESH
COMPARE INDIA’S HEALTH AND EDUCATION INDICATORS WITH OTHER BRICS
COUNTRIES. WHAT LESSONS CAN BE LEARNED BY INDIA FROM THE
EXPERIENCE OF BRICS NATIONS?
BRICS is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and is an
association of these countries which together represent about 42% of the
population, 23% of GDP, 30% of the territory and 18% of the global trade. They
have been identified as the fastest growing economies in the world.
This assignment will compare and contrast trends in the performance of BRICS
countries’ human development indicators mainly related to health and
education.
All data has been taken from the WB database ([Link] and
5 indicators have been chosen each for health and education.
HEALTH INDICATORS
(1) LIFE EXPECTANCY AT BIRTH (YEARS)
Life expectancy at birth is the best-known measure of population health status, and is
often used to gauge a country’s health development. It measures how long, on
average, a new born infant can expect to live if current death rates do not change.
Since the factors affecting life expectancy often change slowly, variations are best
assessed over long periods.
Life expectancy at birth, total (years)
Country Name 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
Brazil 66.34 68.32 70.12 71.90 73.62 74.99 76.08
China 69.15 69.89 71.40 72.99 74.41 75.93 77.10
India 57.87 60.32 62.51 64.50 66.69 68.61 69.89
Russian Federation 68.89 64.69 65.48 65.53 68.84 71.18 71.34
South Africa 63.31 61.56 56.05 53.45 57.67 62.65 64.38
Life expectancy at birth, total (years)
80.00
75.00
Life Expectancy (In Years)
70.00
65.00
60.00
55.00
50.00
1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025
Years
Brazil China India
Russian Federation South Africa
ANALYSIS
According to the WB database, China has the highest life expectancy at birth while
South Africa has the lowest among the BRICS nations. Steady increases in life
expectancy can be seen. This has been mainly due to the following reasons 1) Well-
targeted public health campaigns that reduced infant and child mortality and
communicable disease. 2) Improved economic conditions impacting nutrition,
education and distribution of health services. ● Life expectancy gains in South Africa
were largely lost during the 1990s but it has increased annually since 2005.
(2) MORTALITY RATE, INFANT (PER 1000 LIVE BIRTHS)
The infant mortality rate is the number of deaths of children under one year of age
per 1,000 live births. This rate is an important key indicator for a country’s health
and standard of living; a low infant mortality rate indicates a high standard of
healthcare. In addition to giving us key information about maternal and infant
health, the infant mortality rate is an important marker of the overall health of a
society.
Mortality rate, infant (per 1,000 live births)
Country Name 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
Brazil 52.60 41.10 30.40 22.00 16.70 14.20 13.10
China 42.70 38.40 29.90 19.40 12.50 8.30 5.50
India 88.60 77.90 66.70 55.70 45.10 34.90 27.00
Russian Federation 17.30 17.50 15.50 11.10 8.30 6.60 4.40
South Africa 46.90 45.80 47.70 49.40 34.40 28.60 25.80
Mortality rate, infant (per 1,000 live births)
100.00
90.00
80.00
70.00
Infant Mortality Rate
60.00
50.00
40.00
30.00
20.00
10.00
0.00
1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025
Years
Brazil China India Russian Federation South Africa
ANALYSIS
The infant mortality rate has fell substantially over the study period in all five
countries. In Brazil and China, the magnitude of subnational income-related
inequalities in infant mortality, both absolute and relative, also decreased
substantially. Russia has the lowest infant mortality rate since 1990-2020, and has
decreased the infant mortality rate from 18.4 to 4.9. Russia is also among the
countries with the lowest infant mortality rates. Between 1960 and 2015, Brazil’s IMR
reduced by 92%, compared to a 76% reduction in India. China’s IMR reduced 92%
between 1969 and 2015, compared to 73% over the same period in India. India is at
the bottom among the BRICS nations when it comes to infant mortality rate. India has
one of the highest infant mortalities in the world at 721,000, which is 1975 deaths
daily on average. Good governance and adequately trained healthcare staff can
together reduce neonatal deaths by an average of 24%.
(3) IMMUNIZATION, MEASLES (% OF CHILDREN AGES 12-23 MONTHS)
Child immunization, measles, measures the percentage of children ages 12-23
months who received the measles vaccination before 12 months or at any time
before the survey. A child is considered adequately immunized against measles
after receiving one dose of vaccine. Immunization is one of the most cost-effective
public health interventions, and is an essential component for reducing under-five
8 mortality. Immunization coverage estimates are used to monitor coverage of
immunization services and to guide disease eradication and elimination efforts.
Immunization, measles (% of children ages 12-23 months)
Country Name 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2021
Brazil 78.00 87.00 99.00 98.00 99.00 96.00 79.00 73.00
China 98.00 80.00 84.00 86.00 99.00 99.00 99.00 99.00
India 56.00 72.00 56.00 68.00 82.00 87.00 89.00 89.00
Russian Federation .. 85.00 97.00 99.00 98.00 98.00 97.00 97.00
South Africa 79.00 76.00 72.00 64.00 72.00 86.00 84.00 87.00
Immunization, measles (% of children ages 12-23 months)
120.00
100.00
80.00
Immunization %
60.00
40.00
20.00
0.00
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2021
Years
Brazil China India Russian Federation South Africa
ANALYSIS
The average coverage of measles among 1-year old in BRICS surpasses the global
average. Vaccination coverage is above 95% for each in Brazil, China, and Russia,
though varies between 69% and 76% in South Africa. The trends of all the
countries except South Africa have been quite encouraging. ● By 2019, all the
countries except South Africa had an immunization rate of over 90%. ● India has
seen a substantial increase in the percentage of immunization among children
from 56% in 1990s to 89% in 2019. However, China and Russia have been able to
surpass India with respect to the percentage of child immunization for measles
thereby achieving a target of 99% immunized children
(4) ADOLESCENT FERTILITY RATE (BIRTHS PER 1000 WOMEN AGES 15-
19)
The adolescent birth rate, technically known as the age-specific fertility rate
provides a basic measure of reproductive health focusing on a vulnerable group of
adolescent women. There is substantial agreement in the literature that women
who become pregnant and give birth very early in their reproductive lives are
subject to higher risks of complications or even death during pregnancy and birth
and their children are also more vulnerable. Therefore, preventing births very early
in a woman’s life is an important measure to improve maternal health and reduce
infant mortality.
Adolescent fertility rate (births per 1,000 women ages 15-19)
Country Name 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
Brazil 82.94 84.05 82.21 75.03 66.89 61.09 55.44
China 20.15 13.30 9.91 7.87 7.34 7.53 7.66
India 98.79 83.70 66.84 50.80 34.65 19.13 9.86
Russian Federation 50.77 41.76 30.59 28.83 27.71 22.99 17.46
South Africa 96.29 82.38 70.28 66.66 70.09 69.54 67.73
Adolescent fertility rate (births per 1,000 women ages 15-19)
120.00
100.00
Adolescent Fertility Rate
80.00
60.00
40.00
20.00
0.00
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
Years
Brazil China India
Russian Federation South Africa
ANALYSIS
The overall adolescent fertility rate (AFR) has decreased among the BRICS bloc, with
India representing the greatest reduction. Presently South Africa has the highest AFR,
followed by Brazil whereas the lowest rate is seen in China followed by India.
(5) MATERNAL MORTALITY RATIO ( NATIONAL ESTIMATE PER 100,000
LIVE BIRTHS)
Maternal mortality ratio is the number of women who die from pregnancy-related
causes while pregnant or within 42 days of pregnancy termination per 100,000 live
births. The data are estimated with a regression model using information on the
proportion of maternal deaths among non-AIDS deaths in women ages 15-49,
fertility, birth attendants, and GDP measured using purchasing power parities
(PPPs).
Maternal mortality ratio (national estimate, per 100,000 live births)
Country Name 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
Brazil 44.00 44.00 98.00 78.00 69.00 64.00 ..
China .. .. 65.00 53.00 35.00 .. ..
India .. .. 594.00 .. 233.00 .. ..
Russian Federation 47.00 52.00 38.00 24.00 17.00 10.00 ..
South Africa .. 47.00 71.00 112.00 137.00 78.00 ..
Maternal mortality ratio (national estimate, per 100,000 live
births)
600.00
550.00
500.00
450.00
Maternal Mortality Ratio
400.00
350.00
300.00
250.00
200.00
150.00
100.00
50.00
0.00
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
Years
Brazil China India Russian Federation South Africa
ANALYSIS
The overall maternal mortality rate (MMR) has decreased among the BRICS bloc,
with China and India representing the greatest reduction at 72.2% and 68.7%
respectively. India, again, has the highest MMR, whereas the lowest rate is seen
in the Russian Federation. The MMR in South Africa peaked in 2010 during the
height of the country’s HIV epidemic. Since 2011 it has fallen steadily. Maternal
mortality across BRICS is in decline.
WHAT INDIA CAN LEARN?
India has a lot of takeaways and valuable insights from how the other countries
tried to improve their health, especially in the case of Russia and Brazil.
The first and key difference is that all these countries barring India have a
national document enlisting and describing their vision towards UHC.
While both Brazil and China have made tremendous progress towards health
coverage and reforms, the path these two countries took are different. Brazil’s
progress, as described before, was gradual and incremental while China took a
path of fast-paced approach. If India is to achieve more health coverage for its
people, it may have to choose the path taken by China and immediately
prioritize the spending on health. But the latter approach also has its benefits
such as gradual and incremental change won’t bring about distress due to
sudden and abrupt change.
Strengthening the primary level of care with adequate personnel and
equipment is one of the foremost steps towards achieving better population
health. Brazil and China have been able to do so as described above. Even
Russia is another example. They have been able to provide a fair minimum
care to their population. India should either concentrate on a UHC program or
invest in its primary care.
Another important factor that emerges from the analysis above is the degree of
decentralization. Each of the BRICS nations has its very own federal structure.
As such, much of the health care delivery happens through these levels of
federal structures. India should follow this while articulating its own visions and
objectives towards financing of health in the context of a federal structure.
Public Private Partnership is an area requiring much attention. Each of the
countries has their own share of private sector contribution towards health but
nothing compared to the state of affairs in India. In Brazil, the private sector
contributes within the ambit of National Health Services. In China, the
government has encouraged private partnerships, with private hospitals even
being eligible to provide reimbursable treatment for patients funded through
social health insurance of the country . India will have to analyse the effects of
15 partnership with private sector on its people and compare it with other
countries and move forward in a way that improves the healthcare scenario of
the country.
EDUCATION INDICATORS
(1) SCHOOL ENROLLMENT, PRIMARY (% GROSS)
Gross enrollment ratio is the ratio of total enrollment, regardless of age, to the
population of age group that officially corresponds to the level of education shown.
Primary education provides children with basic reading, writing, and mathematics
skills
along with an elementary understanding of such subjects as history, geography,
natural
science, social science, art, and music.
School enrolment, primary (% gross)
Country Name 1995-2000 2001-2005 2006-2010 2011-2015 2016-2020
Brazil 165.65 133.26 106.99 113.37 111.97
China 105.77 100.99 98.96 96.32 103.17
India 94.27 110.02 109.10 108.49 99.90
Russian Federation 102.79 95.23 101.08 99.07 104.17
South Africa 101.49 105.95 104.73 105.57 98.37
Brazil
Russia
India
China
South Africa
ANALYSIS
The fluctuations in the number of children enrolled in primary education in all the
BRICS countries, can be seen. In the 1990s China saw a consistent increase in the
gross enrolment ratio whereas India during its early years saw comparatively lower
enrolment ratio. However, this trend can be seen changing during 2010-2015. A
gradual decrease can be seen in China’s enrolment ratio. Brazil’s gross enrolment
ratio was highest among other BRICS countries during 2015.
(2) SCHOOL ENROLLMENT, SECONDARY (% GROSS)
Gross enrollment ratio is the ratio of total enrollment, regardless of age, to the
population of age group that officially corresponds to the level of education shown.
Secondary education completes the provision of basic education that began at the
primary level, and aims at laying the foundations for lifelong learning and human
development, by offering more subject- or skill-oriented instruction using more
specialized teachers.
School enrolment, secondary (% gross)
Country Name 1995-2000 2001-2005 2006-2010 2011-2015 2016-2020
Brazil 109.99 101.29 96.67 100.61 103.95
China 60.26 71.33 88.17 88.17 88.17
India 44.87 53.97 63.12 73.87 75.48
Russian Federation 92.39 82.91 84.77 102.18 103.60
South Africa 81.03 87.40 93.74 109.44 102.56
Brazil
Russia
India
China
South Africa
ANALYSIS
BRICS have made major strides in secondary education. The number of secondary
school students has seen a rise in most of the countries. At upper secondary level
gross enrolment ratios vary. Out of all the BRICS nations, India has the lowest gross
enrolment ratio in the secondary education sector. As per the graph India has an
upward sloping trendline which shows that there has been a consistent increase in the
secondary gross enrolment ratio.
(3) GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION ( % OF GDP)
General government expenditure on education (current, capital, and transfers) is
expressed as a percentage of GDP. It includes expenditure funded by transfers
from international sources to government. General government usually refers to
local, regional and central governments.
Government expenditure on education, total (% of GDP)
Country Name 1995-2000 2001-2005 2006-2010 2011-2015 2016-2020
Brazil 3.95 4.48 5.65 6.24 6.09
China 1.89 2.39 3.75 3.82 3.57
India 4.32 3.19 3.38 4.11 4.47
Russian Federation 2.94 3.77 4.10 3.83 4.68
South Africa 4.91 4.52 5.13 5.48 6.19
1995-2000 2001-2005 2006-2010 2011-2015 2016-2020
Brazil
Russia
India
China
South Africa
ANALYSIS
The percentage of GDP that the Governments of BRICS countries, spend on education
fluctuates mostly due to changes in the GDP. As per 2015 Brazil spent the highest %
of GDP on education followed by South Africa whereas the lowest was spent by China
and Russia. Comparing 10-year data from 2005 to 2015, there has been an increase in
the Government Expenditure on Education for all the BRICS countries.
(4) LITERACY RATE, ADULT (% OF PEOPLE AGE 15 AND ABOVE)
This indicator provides a measure of the stock of literate persons within the adult
population who are capable of using written words in daily life and to continue to
learn. It reflects the accumulated accomplishment of education in spreading
literacy. Any shortfall in literacy would provide indications of efforts required in the
future to extend literacy to the remaining adult illiterate population.
Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above)
Country Name 1995-2000 2001-2005 2006-2010 2011-2015 2016-2020
Brazil 86.37 88.62 90.38 92.05 93.23
China 90.92 90.92 95.12 95.12 96.84
India 61.05 62.75 69.30 69.30 74.37
Russian Federation 48.22 99.44 99.68 99.68 99.73
South Africa 82.40 88.72 92.88 94.37 95.02
Brazil
Russia
India
China
South Africa
ANALYSIS
There has been an increase in the adult literacy rate of all the BRICS countries. As per
2011-15 Russia has the highest adult literacy rate followed by China whereas India
has the lowest adult literacy rate followed by Brazil. Although adult literacy rate rose
over the years in India, still India is quite behind amongst other BRICS countries in
terms of Adult Literacy.
(5) LITERACY RATE , YOUTH (% OF PEOPLE AGE 15-24)
Youth literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15-24 who can both read and
write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.
Literacy rate, youth total (% of people ages 15-24)
Country Name 1995-2000 2001-2005 2006-2010 2011-2015 2016-2020
Brazil 94.18 96.84 97.51 98.96 99.20
China 94.28 98.86 99.64 99.64 99.78
India 61.90 76.43 81.13 86.14 91.66
Russian Federation 99.72 99.72 99.71 99.71 99.70
South Africa 93.91 97.57 98.64 98.96 98.41
1995-2000 2001-2005 2006-2010 2011-2015 2016-2020
Brazil
Russia
India
China
South Africa
ANALYSIS
There has been an increase in the youth literacy rate of all the BRICS countries except
a few fluctuations in between. As per 2011-15 data high youth literacy can be seen in
the BRICS countries with Russia having the highest and India the lowest youth literacy
rate. There has been a significant rise in the youth literacy rate in India that is from
76.43% in 2001-2005 to 91.66% in 2016-2020.
WHAT INDIA CAN LEARN?
The BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) have
emerged as a powerful cluster of developing countries and a strong economic
lobby group in today’s competitive global environment.
On the dimension of Education, Russia has the highest adult literacy rate of
99.7%, while India lags behind with 71.2%. Moreover, India sees the highest
inequality in education among the other BRICS economies.
Another major aspect which is crucial to a nation’s prosperity is tolerance and
inclusion. To ensure maintenance and consistency of economic growth,
assertive education policies are crucial to these economies.
The scope of the challenges to be faced is broad, from ensuring universal access
to education and improving levels of literacy and numeracy, to fostering higher
education and research development towards building a more sophisticated
economy.
India was placed at 59th rank among 64 countries in education. According to
the reports, youth unemployment increased from 10.4 percent to 23.0 percent
in the last year.
It is clear that our education system is not providing skills to the youth that may
enable them to earn a living. This unfortunate situation exists despite
considerable expenditures being made by the Union and State Governments.
Thus, sincere efforts are required to be made in order to improve, enhance and
provide quality education.
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