However, the RNLI said call-outs to vessels have been gradually decreasing, while those to people are on the up.

BBC: RNLI: Flood rescues raise 2012 figures in Wales

Infant mortality, and mortality from infectious diseases, had always been higher in Russia than in the West, but they had usually been decreasing and, very gradually, converging towards the levels of developed Western countries.

FORBES: Connect

Gradually, this should reduce costs by decreasing unnecessary care.

FORBES: Calculating The Cost Of Health Care Premiums