Improving equity, quality, and efficiency in health systems and services
We provide support to strengthen health systems and achieve Universal Health Coverage in the region, promoting better health conditions, reducing poverty risks related to health problems, and ensuring sustainable health services for all, based on international evidence.
In Latin America and the Caribbean non-communicable diseases have become the leading cause of premature death and disability. In the region, NCDs account for nearly 77% of mortality and are related to 70% of the disease burden.
The economic evidence confirms that health status is associated with economic growth and productivity because of the relationship between health and lower rates of fertility, reduced risk of impoverishment and higher rates of household savings.
Digital transformation offers the opportunity to harness the transformative power of technology to evolve healthcare systems in the region to be more inclusive and efficient.
The poorest households face a double disadvantage: on one hand, they are more exposed to risk factors for adverse conditions of housing, water and sanitation and inadequate nutrition. On the other hand, they have less access to high-quality health services.
On average, between 2010 and 2019, the growth rate in per capita health spending was 4.9% per year in Latin America and the Caribbean, higher than the 3.1% observed for the gross domestic product (GDP).
Watch the launch of "Smart Spending for Health: How to make each dollar count", a publication that presents key concepts, tools, and strategies aimed at making smarter decisions regarding healthcare spending in the region.
Discover the topics in which we work to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Explore our offices across countries and the work they do to improve lives.