The above table shows that in a number of countries, such as Japan , Hongkong , France , Italy and Switzerland, the life expectancy for females has gone beyond 84. Life expectancy for males is 5-6 years less than for females, but that is also above 79. On the other hand, there are still countries such as Afghanistan , Swaiziland, and Lesotho where the life expectancy for females is below 46. These countries are decades behind the developed countries. Interestingly, there is very little difference in these countries in life expectancy between males and females.

Table 5.4 also shows that in high mortality countries, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is particularly high. In Afghanistan it stands at 1,800 and in Nigeria at 1,100. Infant mortality is also high but it varies from a moderate level of 67 to a very high level of 154. This suggests that it is easier to improve infant mortality as compared to maternal mortality. For improvement in MMR mere public health measures are not enough. There is also a need for improved transportation, empowerment of women, and change of culture and traditions.