How is the HPI used?
• To focus attention on the most deprived people and deprivations in basic
human capabilities in a country, not on average national achievement. The human
poverty indices focus directly on the number of people living in deprivation –
presenting a very different picture from average national achievement. It also
moves the focus of poverty debates away from concern about income poverty
alone.
• To highlight the presence of human poverty in both the rich and poor
countries. High income per person is no guarantee of a poverty-free country.
Even among the richest countries, there is human poverty. The HPI-2 for
selected high-income OECD countries (HPI-2) shows that out of 19 countries, the
US
has the second highest level of income per person, and the third highest rate
of human poverty.
• To guide national planning for poverty alleviation. Many National Human
Development Reports now break down the HPI by region or other socioeconomic
groups to identify the areas or social groups within the country most deprived
in terms of human poverty. The results can be dramatic, creating national
debate and helping to reshape policies.
