The scope and sustainability of, and data about, utilization of embedded research: qualitative evidence from Latin America and the Caribbean

Objectives

This paper describes and analyzes embedded implementation research and the empirical processes of planning for utilization, strategies to promote utilization and the sustainability of utilization of results from research led by decision-makers in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Improving spatial accessibility to health care services in Cali, Colombia: stakeholder assessment of an innovative platform

Objectives 

To (i) ascertain stakeholders’ perceptions of the contextual factors and resources necessary to successfully implement the AMORE platform, a tool that provides accessibility assessments for health care services, considering factors such travel time and traffic conditions, and (ii) identify potential barriers to and facilitators for enhancing spatial accessibility to health care services within the Colombian urban context. 

Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern

Following the advice of an International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of independent experts who met during the afternoon of 14 August to review data presented by experts from the World Health Organization and affected countries, the WHO declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The Committee considered the upsurge of mpox to be a PHEIC, with potential to spread further across countries in Africa and possibly outside the continent.

High-cost medicines: the difficult balance between individual and collective rights

Abstract

Medicines are special goods that cover the health needs of the population. In recent decades, the pharmaceutical industry has changed its research and development strategy, shifting its focus from the exploration of medicines for chronic diseases affecting a large part of the population to the search for drugs for rare diseases that affect a small number of people. This lack of a mass consumer base is reflected in a selective offer of a few very high-cost products aimed at certain diseases, which hinders both patient access and financial coverage.

Social participation in health: analysis of progress and challenges for the Region of the Americas

Abstract

This article analyzes the state of social participation in health in the Region of the Americas, framing it within the regional context and commitments assumed by the Member States of the Pan American Health Organization. It aims to provide regional input to the discussion of a resolution on social participation for universal health coverage, health, and well-being at the 77th World Health Assembly in 2024.

From national and regional commitments to global impact: artificial intelligence for equitable public health at the G20

[Extract] Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming numerous sectors and public health is no exception. As a powerful tool for modernizing health systems and services, AI promises to improve health outcomes, enhance efficiency and ensure innovation in public health practices. The G20, representing the world’s largest economies, plays a crucial role in shaping global health policies and driving forward initiatives that leverage AI for public health (1).

Investigating under-reported human papillomavirus genotypes in Grenadian women through self-sampling for cervical cancer screening

Objective

To compare the adequacy, agreement, and acceptability of Papanicolaou testing (cytology) for cervical cancer screening using self-collected samples compared to physician-collected samples in Grenada in the Caribbean. Furthermore, the study identifies the human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes present among asymptomatic women testing positive for HPV, the etiologic cause of cervical cancer.

Evaluation of Implementation of the HEARTS Initiative in a Rural Community in Venezuela, 2023

Objective

To evaluate the implementation of HEARTS strategies in a community in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. 

Methods

Quasi-experimental study evaluating the cascade of care, driving factors, and maturity and performance indicators four months after implementation of the HEARTS initiative in 52 patients with high blood pressure (BP) in the community of La Marroquina. The data were processed using SPSS® Statistics, version 25.0. Student's t-distribution and chi-square tests were applied to determine statistical significance. 

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