Policies towards elimination of congenital syphilis in Latin America and the Caribbean: a regional review

Syphilis remains an important public health challenge in the Americas, with a rising incidence among adults, including pregnant women, leading to an increased number of cases of congenital syphilis. The syphilis resurgence stems from health system gaps, behavioral changes and social determinants. A regional survey and policy review in Latin America and the Caribbean showed that most countries have national policies for syphilis screening and have made progress in the implementation of rapid tests, test-and-treat strategies, partner services, and timely treatment.

Monitoring compliance with national smokefree regulations eight months after implementation in Puebla and Aguascalientes, Mexico

Objective

To assess compliance with smokefree regulations at hospitality venues in two cities 8 months after implementation of national regulations establishing 100% smokefree areas in all indoor workplaces, public places, and public transportation. 

Strengthening tobacco cessation across the primary health sector in the Americas: progress, gaps, and opportunities since 2007

Objective

Tobacco use is a major modifiable risk factor for the four main noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) globally—cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory conditions, cancer, and diabetes. Addressing tobacco use through cessation interventions is therefore a cornerstone of comprehensive NCD prevention and control efforts. In this context, strengthening cessation support within primary health care has emerged as a high-impact and cost-effective strategy to accelerate progress toward NCD targets. 

From fragmentation to integration: Patient-reported access to cardiovascular care in Colombia’s primary health system

Objective

To assess patient-reported experiences of access to services along the Cardio-Cerebrovascular and Metabolic Comprehensive Healthcare Pathways (CVD-RIAS) among patients with hypertension and/or diabetes in two primary health care networks in Bogotá, highlighting achievements and identifying remaining challenges to integrated care. 

Community-based prevention of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality: a narrative review of the role of maternity waiting homes in Latin America

Objective

Maternity waiting homes (MWHs) are residential facilities where pregnant women live during the last few weeks of their gestation and can easily be transported to a hospital equipped to provide obstetric emergency care or skilled birth attendance. The expansion of MWHs has been associated with the prevention of obstetric complications.

Situation of essential conditions for the delivery of care for noncommunicable diseases in the Bolivian Chaco region

As part of a regional initiative to improve care for noncommunicable diseases (NCD) in vulnerable territories, a specific module of the Essential Conditions Evaluation (ECE) tool of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) was developed and implemented in 15 health facilities in Camiri and the Guaraní Kereimba Iyaambae Indigenous Autonomous Government (GAIGKI) in the Bolivian Chaco region between February and May 2024. The objective was to detect gaps, document strengths, and generate useful evidence for territorial planning.

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