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
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How Community Health Workers Are Helping Vulnerable Communities
Despite enormous advances in technology and improvements in human welfare at the global level, there are still vulnerable populations today that have little or no access to basic health care, even in developed countries such as the United States. One factor contributing to the problem is the major crisis involving human resources in health – resources that are vital to the … [Read more...] about How Community Health Workers Are Helping Vulnerable Communities
Why Do Some Women Want Doulas to Accompany Them During Childbirth?
Among future parents, the “doula” – a Greek word that means “servant woman” or "women's servant" – is increasingly popular. Who are doulas and what accounts for their popularity? A doula is someone who provides the support and understanding necessary to make childbirth an enriching and personalized experience. In many countries doulas meet a need that traditional maternity … [Read more...] about Why Do Some Women Want Doulas to Accompany Them During Childbirth?
How Perspective Shapes Health Policies
As health technologies evolve, the ways in which these technologies are evaluated and applied to the public sphere to ensure effectiveness also change. The Health Technology Assessment (HTA), in particular, is a systematic and technically robust process that examines a health technology (often new) from different perspectives. Using the available evidence, and then balancing … [Read more...] about How Perspective Shapes Health Policies
Empowered Patients make Better Health Care
Not so long ago, access to primary health care was scarce and of poor quality. Although much must be done still to ensure quality health-care for all, particularly those most vulnerable, in recent years, the emphasis on bettering health care systems has resulted in improvements. Patients now expect more from these systems and listening to them might just be the key to … [Read more...] about Empowered Patients make Better Health Care