Interactions between health and population.

Both health and population have multiple direct and indirect, as well as positive and negative, influences on each other and on the development process. There is much evidence to show that high fertility produces multiple health hazards and that family planning is one of the most effective health measures available. Conversely, there are also multiple ways in which health influences fertility. Whereas health services resulting in reduced morbidity and mortality have often been considered a major cause of population growth, the authors argue that health programs can also contribute to a more rapid decline in birth rates by facilitating the increased practice of family planning. Evidence is reviewed to support the position that family planning services can be more effective, efficient, and acceptable when combined with maternal and child health and nutrition programs.