This effect was less than originally feared, however—in part be- cause earlier expenditures for improving health and education had enduring effects. As a result of this experience, most countries’ adjustment pro- grams today try to rationalize overall government spending while maintaining cost-effective expen- ditures in health and education. Despite these im- provements, much is still to be learned about more efficient ways of carrying out stabilization and ad- justment programs while protecting the poor. Policies to expand schooling are also crucial for promoting health. People who have had more schooling seek and utilize health information more effectively.
