Type 2 diabetes affects millions of people in Latin America and represents one of the greatest challenges for health systems. In Ecuador, this condition particularly impacts rural and vulnerable populations, such as those in the province of Chimborazo, where health centers must respond to growing demand with limited resources. To address this challenge, the Ecuadorian … [Read more...] about How Ecuador improved type 2 diabetes management with a continuous quality improvement model
Strengthening Long-Term Care Is Key to Sustainable Healthcare in Latin America
The lack of long-term care services increases hospital costs and can make healthcare systems unsustainable. In Mexico, older people with functional limitations—those who need long-term care—are up to 23 percentual points more likely to be hospitalized than functionally independent individuals. Once hospitalized, they are also more likely to stay longer. The IDB's new study, … [Read more...] about Strengthening Long-Term Care Is Key to Sustainable Healthcare in Latin America
One in Six Hospitalizations in Latin America and the Caribbean Could Be Avoided
Hospital beds are a scarce resource in Latin America and the Caribbean, yet many are taken up by patients whose conditions could be managed outside the hospital, for example in clinics or doctors' offices, according to a new IDB analysis. In the study, we assessed what share of hospitalizations could be avoided by more effective primary care: hospitalizations for so-called … [Read more...] about One in Six Hospitalizations in Latin America and the Caribbean Could Be Avoided
Reducing Waste to Achieve More Health
By 2050, most countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are expected to experience per capita health spending growth rates that outpace the growth of their national income. According to a recent IDB-financed study, per capita health spending in the region could nearly triple by 2050, with annual growth rates above 3% between 2030 and 2050. In the Dominican Republic, … [Read more...] about Reducing Waste to Achieve More Health
Three Key Aeas for Scaling Up Care Policies in Latin America and the Caribbean
Reflections from the first IDB regional forum IDB Cares: Connecting Care: Learning between governments The importance of care policies in public and private consciousness in Latin America and the Caribbean continues to grow. It is estimated that nearly 31 million jobs could be created in the region by 2035, mostly held by women, if childcare and long-term care … [Read more...] about Three Key Aeas for Scaling Up Care Policies in Latin America and the Caribbean