Health sector reforms not only require attention to specific components but also a supportive environment. In low- and middle-income countries (LMI
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Cs), there is still much to be done on ensuring that people receive prioritized healthcare services. Despite LIMCs spending an average of 6% of their GDP on health, there have been minimal impacts compared to high-income countries. Health sector reform is a gradual process with complex systems; hence, the need for a vision and long-term strategies to realize the desired goals. In this chapter, we present our proposal to advance universal health coverage (UHC) in LMICs. Overall, our main aim is to provide strategies for achieving actual UHC and not aspirational UHC in LMICs by strengthening health systems, improving health insurance coverage and financial protection, and reducing disparities in healthcare coverage especially on prioritized health problems, and enhancing a primary care-oriented healthcare system.
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UNICEF’s support for data collection: the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS)
This policy brief identifies and explains the main reasons behind the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) associated with improper use of antibiotics in the livestock sector. Focusing on the low- and middle-
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income country setting, this brief provides recommendations for a deliberated policy strategy aimed to prevent healthcare crisis that could happen as a result of AMR.
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The article "Can we prevent cardiovascular diseases in low- and middle-income countries?" by Claude Lenfant discusses the growing threat of cardiov
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ascular diseases (CVDs) in developing countries. It highlights that while CVD is already the leading cause of death globally, low- and middle-income countries are now facing rising CVD rates due to lifestyle changes associated with urbanization and economic growth. Lenfant advocates for a dual approach: identifying and treating high-risk individuals and promoting broad, population-wide prevention efforts focused on lifestyle changes such as reducing smoking, lowering salt intake, and increasing physical activity. He emphasizes that early, affordable preventive measures are essential to mitigate the impending CVD epidemic in these countries and prevent significant healthcare and economic strain.
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Published: February 23, 2010
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000235
Volume 7 | Issue 2 | e1000235
Research Article
PLOS ONE | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0189770 January 2, 2018
Research Article
PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0164619 October 13, 2016
2016 ASCO EDUCATIONAL BOOK | asco.org/edbo
Policy and systems. Global Mental Health(2017),4, e7, page 1 of 6. doi:10.1017/gmh.2017.3
The objective is to estimate the level and trend of develoment assistance for comunity health worker related projects in low and middle income countries
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between 2007 and 2017
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The Open Infectious Diseases Journal, 2010, 4, 33-37
PLoS Medicine Vol. 6 no. 10 (2009) e1000165
This online training is based on the Global Laboratory Initiative’s “Guide for providing technical support to TB laboratories in low- and middle-income
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countries”. This guide is intended to familiarize those who are providing technical assistance to TB laboratories in low- and middle-income countries with WHO recommendations and international best practices.
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ISN Public Affairs Kidney International Supplements (2020) 10, e19–e23
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent the highest burden of disease globally. Medicines are a critical intervention used to prevent and treat CVD. This review describes access to medication for CVD from a health system perspective and strategies that have been used to promote access, including pro
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viding medicines at lower cost, improving medication supply, ensuring medicine quality, promoting appropriate use, and managing intellectual property issues. Using key evidence in published and gray literature and systematic reviews, we summarize advances in access to cardiovascular medicines using the 5 health system dimensions of access: availability, affordability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of medicines. There are multiple barriers to access of CVD medicines, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Low availability of CVD medicines has been reported in public and private healthcare facilities. When patients lack insurance and pay out of pocket to purchase medicines, medicines can be unaffordable. Accessibility and acceptability are low for medicines used in secondary prevention; increasing use is positively related to country income. Fixed-dose combinations have shown a positive effect on adherence and intermediate outcome measures such as blood pressure and cholesterol. We have a new opportunity to improve access to CVD medicines by using strategies such as efficient procurement of low-cost, quality-assured generic medicines, development of fixed-dose combination medicines, and promotion of adherence through insurance schemes that waive copayment for long-term medications. Monitoring progress at all levels, institutional, regional, national, and international, is vital to identifying gaps in access and implementing adequate policies.
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Conclusion: CBR has improved the quality of life, access to medical services, functional independence, autonomy, community inclusion, and empowerment of people with disabilities in LMICs in the Asia-Pacific region. However, challenges in the implementation of CBR remain. These include lack of awaren
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ess and understanding of CBR, and physical, environmental, socio-economical and personal barriers.
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A technical guide for sputum smear microscopy, initiated by the International Union against Tuberculosis, is designed to be an easy to use reference standard for the collection, storage and transport of sputum specimens and for the examination of sputum smears by direct microscopy. This edition incl
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udes updates addressing bio-safety and quality assurance aspects of sputum smear microscopy.
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