Lao PDR has made notable progress in improving maternal health, with materanal mortality decreasing from 1,600 per 100,000 births in 1990 to 220 in 2013.1 However, in order for further gains to be realized, at least two barriers need to be addressed - the low utilization of maternal health (MH)...

This report reviews the current provider payment arrangements and policies of the Philippines, and the extent to which they have contributed to the achievement of the HFS goals. It focuses on the pillars of the HFS that center on provider payment issues, including what is paid for and by whom...

A strong health financing system will be an important priority as Bangladesh seeks to meet theexpectations of its population and embrace its future as a middle-income country. The objective of this report is to present policymakers with a foundation for an informed discussionabout government...

Disasters and emergencies often have disproportionate impacts on a country's health system and the overall health of women, men, girls, and boys. The interruptions of routine public health programs, such as vaccination campaigns, are common in the wake of a disaster, setting back gains to...

Smoking is a leading cause of preventable premature deaths. Smoking's effects will continue to devastate lives in many countries, including Ukraine, if measures are not implemented to reduce its prevalence. Smoking is a major cause of many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease,...

The objective of this research is to identify the main social and cultural constraints in accessing reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health Services (RMNCHS) in Guinea-Bissau, to effectively improve their access and use by women and children. Additionally, the research also explores...

Human capital is the combination of knowledge, skills and health that people accumulate throughout their lives, which allows them to realize their potential as productive members of society. The productivity of a country is affected by the quality and availability of maternal and child health...

Gender equality is a key foundation of inclusive and sustainable economic development that can translate into long-term and effective poverty reduction. While gender equality matters on its own as a human right, it also offers instrumental value for individuals, households, and societies at...

Sierra Leone is a low-income, small West African country of approximately 7.65 million population. Over the past decade, the country has made gains on several health indicators, but it faces huge challenges. Infectious diseases remain the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, but...

Air pollution is a major cause of death and disease. 'Ambient air pollution' refers to contamination of outdoor air; 'household air pollution' refers to contamination of indoor air. Ambient (or outdoor) air pollution is the world's leading environmental risk to health and the cause of morbidity...