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
Inter-American Development Bank
Business as Unusual or Back-to-the-Future: COVID-19 and Healthcare System Integration
COVID-19 has upended health systems globally, with uncertain implications for the future of healthcare and beyond. What is certain, however, is that all healthcare systems undoubtedly face a “new normal” in their journey to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) and become more resilient to future stresses. Yet, without also addressing chronic stresses, particularly … [Read more...] about Business as Unusual or Back-to-the-Future: COVID-19 and Healthcare System Integration
Why Digital Tools Could Be Key to Reopening the Region
Deserted parks, shuttered businesses, rush-hour traffic reduced to a trickle: it no longer comes off as hyperbole to say the world has been put on hold. In Latin America and the Caribbean, 13 countries have chosen to enter complete lockdown, and 12 have gone the route of a partial or sector-based quarantine. While measures are constantly evolving in response to changing … [Read more...] about Why Digital Tools Could Be Key to Reopening the Region
How Israel Delivers Healthcare Value
Israel is one of the smallest countries in the world, but it has delivered some of the biggest results in healthcare. It has a 90% patient satisfaction rate, top-tier rankings by international health measures, one of the lowest costs-per-patient in the world, a world-class community and primary care system, and Israel has become a leading developer and exporter of life-saving … [Read more...] about How Israel Delivers Healthcare Value
Coronavirus and Older Adults: Measures Implemented in the Region
Older adults are a highly vulnerable group regarding COVID-19. What measures are Latin American and Caribbean countries taking to look after them? Countries in the region have made rapid progress with social distancing measures to address the pandemic, and responses in the area of long-term care are slowly beginning to be observed. However, these measures are still … [Read more...] about Coronavirus and Older Adults: Measures Implemented in the Region