Introducing the New Value in Health Regional Issues Journal: The Latin America Region Edition

AUGUSTOVSKI, F. A.; JAIME, C; BARAHONA, V; FERRAZ, M. B.

VALUE IN HEALTH

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2013 p. 1 - 10

1098-3015

These are exciting times for the Latin American region. Our region has developed steadily in the recent years and has a promising outlook in the current international climate. It appears that there is momentum for countries in the region to design long-term development strategies. There has been a gradual consolidation and strengthening of our democracies, and most of the region has adequately resisted the economic and financial crisis with responsible macroeconomic measures and structural reform [1]. Annual gross domestic product growth averaged 4.3% during 2010 to 2011 [2]. Health indicators, as well as health care coverage and provision, have also been improving, with some of our countries approaching universal health coverage. For example, life expectancy at birth has now risen to 74.8 years, and the infant mortality rate has declined to 15.5 per 1000 live births [2].