Fireflybob is correct that improving the health of poorer nations will have a positive impact, but improving the education available to girls in poorer nations is also very important. Of course health before education on the heirachy of needs. Education offering choices, and thereby empowering young girls is so important in all matters relating the health of the planet, and all of us on it. If women are unequal then their only role is to be mothers. Equality means better outcomes for men and women.