The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting lives and economies. The World Bank estimates global GDP losses of US$12 trillion over 2020-2021, implying a US$500 million benefit to ending the pandemic just one month sooner. In this context, we need access to a safe and effective vaccine on a faster schedule than ever before achieved for a new disease. This will require significant … [Read more...] about 3 reasons why countries should purchase COVID-19 Vaccines at Risk
Health Spending and Financing
Four reasons why labor taxes are not a good way to finance healthcare in low- and middle-income countries
The COVID-19 pandemic has led millions of people to simultaneously lose their jobs and their health coverage, making the idea of funding health insurance with labor taxes look like a pretty bad idea. Yet the flaws of labor-tax financed social health insurance are not news to people who have reviewed the history and evidence of social health insurance, as explained in a newly … [Read more...] about Four reasons why labor taxes are not a good way to finance healthcare in low- and middle-income countries
We invite you to see the material of our Regional Policy Dialogue 2019: A regional debate on long-term care systems
On November 12 and 13, we conducted the Regional Policy Dialogue of the Social Protection and Health Division of the IDB, which this year was on the Pillars of Long-term Care: How to Build a System for Latin America and the Caribbean. This is an annual event that seeks to discuss the pressing issues of the region and generate an exchange between specialists, government … [Read more...] about We invite you to see the material of our Regional Policy Dialogue 2019: A regional debate on long-term care systems
Call for Papers: How Can We Reach Equity in the Region’s Health Systems?
Some Latin American and Caribbean countries face certain socio-political conditions that hinder people’s ability to live in a healthy environment and access health services that meet their needs. In addition, countries in the region face important challenges to improve quality, equity and results in health due, in part, to limits on financial resources, infrastructure and a … [Read more...] about Call for Papers: How Can We Reach Equity in the Region’s Health Systems?
10 Take-Aways on How the Region Can Improve Health Spending Efficiency
Latin America and the Caribbean have experienced important improvements in key health indicators over the last two decades. For example, since 2000 average life expectancy rose from 71 to 75 years of age, and mortality rates for children under five fell by 44%. The region currently faces the challenge of maintaining these achievements and making further progress in health … [Read more...] about 10 Take-Aways on How the Region Can Improve Health Spending Efficiency