Agreement on pandemics and access to vaccines for low- and middle-income countries

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed flaws in global public health emergency preparedness and response plans, highlighting the urgency of ensuring equitable access to health technologies and products, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In this context, the World Health Organization is negotiating a Pandemic Accord to strengthen global governance, reduce disparities between high-income countries (HICs) and LMICs, and improve prevention and response to future pandemics.

Inclusive digital transformation: the scenario of digital service usage by women in Brazil

The present study used data from the 2023 ICT Households Survey conducted by the Regional Center for Studies on the Development of the Information Society (Cetic.br|NIC.br) to analyze internet access among women in Brazil, as well as their engagement in online health-related activities (searching for health information, accessing government digital services, and using public health services). These indicators were compared based on education level, age, area of residence (urban or rural), and social class.

Contemporary challenges for digital health: literacy, media education, and prevention of disinformation

The objective of this article is to analyze the contemporary challenges facing digital health, focusing on literacy, media education, and the prevention of disinformation. The study shows that strengthening digital literacy is crucial to empowering health professionals and citizens, enabling them to critically navigate the digital environment and identify reliable information. The results indicate the need for multisectoral collaboration and public policies that prioritize digital inclusion and media education, promoting a safe information environment.

HEARTS Pharmacy: A framework for integrating pharmacists in hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk management in primary care

HEARTS Pharmacy, a project within the HEARTS in the Americas Initiative, provides a framework to integrate pharmacists into primary health care. Pharmacists are highly respected in health care but face challenges, such as limited scope of practice, regulatory barriers, and insufficient recognition, compounded by social norms that hinder their full potential. This paper presents compelling evidence that pharmacist-led interven- tions improve blood pressure control, lower cardiovascular risk, and reduce health care costs.

AI’s ongoing impact: Implications of AI’s effects on health equity for women’s healthcare providers

Objective

To assess the effects of the current use of artificial intelligence (AI) in women’s health on health equity, specifically in primary and secondary prevention efforts among women. 

Methods

Two databases, Scopus and PubMed, were used to conduct this narrative review. The keywords included “artificial intelligence,” “machine learning,” “women’s health,” “screen,” “risk factor,” and “prevent,” and papers were filtered only to include those about AI models that general practitioners may use. 

Regulation and performance of health systems: a review of analytical frameworks

The private health sector has expanded significantly in recent decades, both in Latin America and other regions. Governments and international organizations have dealt with this process in a heterogeneous manner. A policy approach and, above all, a regulatory framework, are required in order to put health objectives and the right to health above the profit motive that drives private sector participation. This paper reviews frameworks for analyzing the performance of health systems and the regulation of financing and service provision, primarily (but not exclusively) in the private sector.

Critical factors for institutionalizing evidence-informed decision-making in healthcare organizations

Objective

To map critical factors for sustainable processes in the institutionalization of evidence-informed decision-making in public health organizations. 

Method

A rapid critical interpretative synthesis was carried out based on searches conducted in databases, websites, and reference lists, with findings categorized into an appropriate framework. 

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