The appropriate role of the state in health is complex both in economic theory and in practice. Theory identifies three …); and failings peculiar to insurance markets for health care (where both inefficiency and inequity arise). The insurance … to finance an increasing share of health care as incomes rise. …

framework) and a prudent management of public finances. After the 1999 crisis, Colombia managed to reduce the general government … over 35 years. The economic contraction and the response needed to address the health emergency and to sustain activity …

-term budget plans, public sector restructuring, pension and health reforms, improvements of market competition, and the labor …

) compliance gap and health taxes (excises on tobacco and alcohol products). Social spending effectiveness in reducing headline …

While on-track for child health and maternal health MDGs, Lao PDR continues to have some of the worst maternal and … child health (MCH) outcomes, both globally and in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region. Under-five and infant mortality … rates are high relative to GDP per capita, and utilization of essential health services is low, given significant demand …