This report emphasizes the need for action in improving human nutrition, health and the status of women in Third World countries. Special attention is directed to improvement in child health care practices. The report advocates a strategy that meshes short term needs of desperate families with long term requirements of ecological stability and economic development. A strategy of integrated development to meet basic needs in the Third World demands not just techniques that prevent death but policies that promote health. Statistics are provided of birth and death rates, child malnutrition cases, literacy rates, access to water figures, food production per capita, and work rates of women. Widespread discrimination against females throughout the Third World is particularly evidenced in health care practices. It is recommended that women receive better treatment in water, health and agriculturally related projects. Aspects of family planning are also discussed, and specific plans are reviewed for implementation in Africa and Asia. The report states the position that investments need to be made in family planning, health care, and education, so that long term benefits and savings in lives and money would result. (ML)