ABSTRACT
Life expectancy is, however, increasing. Population trends indicate that a total regional population in the vicinity of 350 million people in the year 2000 will increase by approximately 150-200 million by the year 2020. The basic demographic data, such as life expectancy and the population's age structure, reflect the broad trends and condition of economic development. The basic conditions of life vary widely, both from one country to another and between rich and poor within countries. Under-nutrition is a serious public health problem because many ailments that are minor matters for the well fed are potentially lethal for the under-nourished. Thus the proportion of underweight small children is indicative both of the overall state of health and of the degree of poverty. The relatively high incidence in wealthier countries such as Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia reveals the effect of social inequalities.
