Abstract: The study approaches the poverty problem by using the individual as the unit of analysis and by drawing on the Health Belief Model commonly used in the health sciences. The argument in this study is that the mere absence of resources provides insufficient grounds for the description of an individual as poor since it takes no note of that person’s needs and wants. The question posed is then how to best achieve livelihood outcomes? In this, it follows two approaches from the literature on health economics; these assess the process by which individuals decide how to react to health issues, i.e., whether or not to seek treatment and change behaviour. The process is outlined in an eight stage process; these stages being further interpreted by a note on belief formation. The Poverty Diagnostic Model is the major contribution of this study.