It is almost 3 years since COVID-19 began to spread, causing one of the most massive global disruptions of modern times. But it also spurred changes that hold the key to better health and better healthcare services in the future. Every aspect of the healthcare system, from basic research to vaccine distribution, from community outreach to intensive care units, … [Read more...] about COVID-19 Showed Us the Path toward Universal Health Coverage
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Can We Afford a Healthy Future?
In the early 1960s, when United States healthcare expenses reached 3% of GDP, members of the U.S. Congress were so outraged that they held hearings to address such an unsustainable level of spending. The passing years have shown that 3% was not only sustainable, it was cheap. Today, healthcare spending in the United States is over 17% of GDP. The countries of … [Read more...] about Can We Afford a Healthy Future?
Tuberculosis changed architecture. What changes will COVID-19 leave in its wake?
Public health crises disrupt daily life and bring about changes that remain after the crisis ebbs. Did you know that tuberculosis caused a permanent shift in certain architectural trends? Or that in England, John Snow found the key to curbing cholera, and it changed how we handle wastewater? This article looks at five changes COVID-19 will leave us with. A health crisis … [Read more...] about Tuberculosis changed architecture. What changes will COVID-19 leave in its wake?
Time to say goodbye to tobacco
12% of the world's smokers live in Latin America and the Caribbean. Every year, tobacco use contributes to the growth of non-communicable diseases and causes one million deaths in the region. So if tobacco is the most preventable cause of death, how can countries get their populations to stop smoking? … [Read more...] about Time to say goodbye to tobacco
Stigma and Discrimination among People Living with Dementia
Every 3 seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. Most of these individuals reside in low- and middle-income countries. Latin America is likely to be significantly impacted by the global increase in the number of people affected by dementia. By 2050, it is expected to rise from more than 7.8 million people in 2013 to over 27 million. Brazil has … [Read more...] about Stigma and Discrimination among People Living with Dementia