Health spending is a major concern in our region, for households and governments alike. Two recently published studies that were commissioned by the IDB examine how health spending may evolve in the near future, what drives these changes, and what can be done. Health Expenditures Are Growing Fast but Not Equally The first paper projects that health spending will rise … [Read more...] about Health Spending in Latin America and the Caribbean Will Double by 2050: What Can Be Done?
Sebastian Bauhoff
Dr. Bauhoff is a Principal Health Economist at the Inter-American Development Bank. He has worked on health policy for two decades in settings from Germany (his home country) to Colombia, with a focus on innovations in health care financing and service delivery that can increase access, efficiency, and quality of care. His recent work includes empirical impact evaluations of health insurance and results-based financing programs, and ways to use routine data to measure quality and target interventions. Dr. Bauhoff received a BSc from the London School of Economics, an MPA in International Development from the Harvard Kennedy School and a PhD in Health Policy/Economics from Harvard University. He previously held positions as Economist at the RAND Corporation, Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Development, and Assistant Professor of Global Health and Economics at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.
How Social Determinants Shape Health in Latin America and the Caribbean: Insights from a New Report
Health is about more than access to doctors and medicine. It is shaped by where we live, the air we breathe, the jobs we have, the education we receive, and the social connections we build. These factors—known as the social determinants of health (SDH)—play a fundamental role in shaping our well-being and life expectancy. In a new report from the Inter-American Development … [Read more...] about How Social Determinants Shape Health in Latin America and the Caribbean: Insights from a New Report
Overcoming Obstacles: Barriers to Diabetes Treatment and How Telehealth Can Help
Diabetes mellitus is an important health issue in Latin America and the Caribbean as it accounts for 4.3% of the disease burden in the region. Disease management programs (DMPs) aim to improve chronic disease care, but they are often complex, involving a wide range of healthcare professionals—doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and specialists—who need to interact regularly with … [Read more...] about Overcoming Obstacles: Barriers to Diabetes Treatment and How Telehealth Can Help
Top 5 of Gente Saludable: The Most Read of 2024
As the year comes to a close, we reflect on the work we've done and the topics that have shaped our blog in 2024. Thanks to the support of specialists, guest authors, and readers from all over the world, we've covered key health topics, shared learnings, and explored innovative solutions. In this article, we not only highlight the most-read pieces of the year but also share … [Read more...] about Top 5 of Gente Saludable: The Most Read of 2024
Public Hospitals in the Region: What Is the Room for Improvement?
Hospitals are a key component of health systems and health spending in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Across the region, hospital care already accounts for about 1/3 of total health spending and is expected to increase in absolute and relative terms as populations age and medical technology improves. The public sector has a substantial role in providing and paying for … [Read more...] about Public Hospitals in the Region: What Is the Room for Improvement?