Health in South America 2008: Situation Overview Focused on Priority Aspects of the South American Health Agenda

Abstract

[Executive Summary]. This document presents an overview of the health situation in South America based on the latest available information. It considers the political, economic and social contexts and emphasizes social determinants and health system organization and performance, with special attention paid to human resources and medicines. The document seeks to offer basic information and a context for discussion, with a view to guiding the development of proposals and plans by specific technical groups of UNASUR Salud. The document has focused mainly on identified priorities in the South American Health Agenda, namely: development and consolidation of the epidemiological shield, development of universal health care systems, universal access to medicines, health promotion and actions on the social determinants of health, and the development and management of human resources in the health sector.