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
Health services
Five Years After COVID-19: Time for Booster Investment Shots in Pandemic Preparedness
During the Cricket World Cup in June 2024, while thousands of fans attended the matches that took place in Caribbean countries, teams of epidemiologists, doctors and health workers worked quietly behind the scenes using an electronic platform to report and respond promptly to possible disease outbreaks in the mass gatherings. A total of 146 cases were digitally reported to be … [Read more...] about Five Years After COVID-19: Time for Booster Investment Shots in Pandemic Preparedness
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
Disability Certification: A Key Tool for Inclusion
In Latin America and the Caribbean, over 80 million people live with some form of disability, experiencing greater vulnerability than the rest of the population. This represents nearly 15% of the region's population. In this context, disability certification emerges as a key tool to ensure inclusion. In this blog post, written for the International Day of Persons with … [Read more...] about Disability Certification: A Key Tool for Inclusion