[EQ] Health equity in Brazil

Analysis

Health equity in Brazil

Frederico C Guanais, health senior specialist, Inter-American Development Bank, Washington, DC, USA

BMJ 2010; 341:c6542 doi: 10.1136/bmj.c6542 -  29 November 2010 -

Available online at: http://bit.ly/gBpBGd

“…..When Brazil emerged from nearly 20 years of military dictatorship in 1988 it was a very unequal society: the wealthiest 10% of Brazilians held 49.5% of the national income; the poorest 10% were left with just 0.7%. One of the pillars of redemocratisation was a new federal constitution that for the first time in Brazilian history obliged the state to provide universal and equitable access to health services. An integrated health system was established, coordinating health services at all levels of government, following principles of decentralisation, and giving priority to prevention.

Today, the unified health system (known as SUS) offers comprehensive coverage to all, but it is mostly used by people on lower incomes. Despite the achievements of the past two decades, gradients in health status and access to health services persist along the lines of income, educational background, race, and region.1 2 This article considers progress and continued challenges towards health equity in Brazil. ….”

 

Editorial

Brazil’s Family Health Programme

Matthew Harris, academic clinical fellow in public health, Andy Haines, professor of public health and primary care
BMJ 2010; 341:c4945 doi: 10.1136/bmj.c4945 (Published 29 November 2010)

Available at: http://bit.ly/g7h5ip

A cost effective success that higher income countries could learn from….

 

Feature
Brazil: Economic success threatens aspirations of Brazil’s public health system

Tom Hennigan

BMJ 2010; 341:c5453 doi: 10.1136/bmj.c5453 (Published 29 November 2010)  
Available at: http://bit.ly/gIU96b

 

 

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