A Deep Look: How PHC Programs Are Saving Lives?

Primary health care (PHC) has proven to be an invaluable tool in the fight against child mortality in Latin America. This recent study, published in the prestigious scientific journal The Lancet Global Health, reveals that these programs have prevented more than 300,000 child deaths in the region in the last two decades.

The Role of PHC Programs: Reducing Child Mortality

The research team, formed by Ana L. Moncayo, Daniella Cavalcanti and Davide Rasella, has closely examined the impact of PHC programs in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico. What they found is impressive: high PHC coverage was associated with significant reductions in child mortality at all stages, from newborns to children under five.

Addressing Critical Health Challenges: Preventable and Poverty-Related Illnesses

But the impact goes beyond simply saving lives. The study also highlights the importance of addressing preventable and poverty-related diseases, such as nutritional deficiencies, anemia and gastrointestinal infections. These conditions, which disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, can be effectively combated through an expansion of PHC programs.

Looking Ahead: The Potential for Increased PHC Coverage

Predictive models suggest that increased PHC coverage could avert more than 140,000 child deaths by 2030. This means that these interventions not only save lives, but also have the potential to transform the health of Latin American communities.

Committed to Child Health in Latin America

At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health inequities, PHC programs stand as a crucial strategy to address the needs of the most vulnerable populations and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals related to child health.

If you want to learn more about this important research you can visit the following link to the full article:

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(24)00094-9/fulltext