diseases of poverty diseases of poverty diseases of poverty (also known as poverty-related diseases) are diseases that are more prevalent in low-income populations. they include infectious diseases, as well as diseases related to malnutrition and poor health behaviour. poverty is one of the major social determinants of health. the world health report (2002) states that diseases of poverty account for 45% of the disease burden in the countries with high poverty rate which are preventable or treatable with existing interventions. diseases of poverty are often co-morbid and ubiquitous with malnutrition. poverty increases the chances of having these diseases as the deprivation of shelter, safe drinking water, nutritious food, sanitation, and access to health services contributes towards poor health behaviour. at the same time, these diseases act as a barrier for economic growth to affected people and families caring for them which in turn results into increased poverty in the community. these diseases produced in part by poverty are in contrast to diseases of affluence, which are diseases thought to be a result of increasing wealth in a society.