In developing countries, infectious diseases are related to functional limitations and death; the Framework would recommend the inclusion of measures of these conditions.

For instance, torture has reportedly been defined elsewhere as physical pain that is difficult to endure, and which should be equivalent to the pain accompanying serious physical injury, such as organ failure, impairment of bodily function, or even death.

International non-governmental organizations — World Vision and Médecins sans Frontières in this case — try to step in where government facilities no longer function. However, the soaring death rates in the Government-held areas around Ankoro, Kilwa, Dubie and Lwanza, especially where medical facilities are non-existent and where State medical professionals receive no salaries, are indications of Government negligence.