Argentina
Population:
45,166,582 (an estimate based on the latest United Nations data from 2020) [1]
Infant mortality rate: 9.0 per 1,000 live births (2020) [1]
Economy:
The 28th largest economy in the world, relatively complex (57 of 137); imports slightly exceed exports. [2]
A relatively high-income country (per capita GDP over $18,000)—but macro gains over last 10 years have not translated to per capita GDP, which has shrunk. [2]
Politics:
Recent elections installed moderate Peronist government following the right-wing administration; stark polarization over the last decade. [3]
Unstable currency and rising poverty levels contribute to instability and widespread unrest. [3]
Sources:
Worldometer, “Argentina” (2020)
Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), “Argentina” (2020)
The Conversation, “Argentina elects new president on promise to fix economy and unify a struggling nation” (2019)
HEALTHCARE
The country currently has “nominal” universal healthcare coverage [1]:
Technically everyone in the country is covered, as part of reforms that began in the 1990s. Actual access however is more limited. [1]
Doctors have advocated additional reforms to bring the Argentinian system in line with the Chilean model. [1]
The current system is highly fragmented and segmented [1]:
Three main sectors: private, public (funded by taxes), and social security (the largest component, comprised of a network of different providers covering 60% of the population). [1]
Most public facilities and services are focused on caring for mothers and children. [1]
Source for all information:
Health Systems and Reform, “Making Universal Health Care Effective in Argentina: A Blueprint for Reform” (2018)
ONGOING ISSUES
Maternal chronic illness during pregnancy [1]
Low birth weights [1]
Obesity during pregnancy [2]
Weight-related complications (e.g. diabetes) [2]
Inefficient spending on healthcare in comparison to neighboring countries [3]
Lack of communication/collaboration between branches of healthcare system [3]
Sources:
PLoS One, “A Comparative Analysis of Prenatal Care and Fetal Growth in Eight South American Countries” (2014)
Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, “The effect of lifestyle interventions on maternal body
composition during pregnancy in developing countries: a systematic review” (2017)
Health Systems and Reform, “Making Universal Health Care Effective in Argentina: A Blueprint for Reform” (2018)
OBSERVED SOLUTIONS
Harm reduction programs, including community health worker (CHW) interventions [1]:
Based on the Uruguayan model, involving multifaceted outreach targeted at pregnant women, to help them avoid existing risks and practice safe behaviors. [1]
Previously used in a successful effort to reduce maternal mortality in abortion-related cases. [1]
Technical innovations to facilitate childbirth and reduce complications [2]:
Primary example: the “odon device”, designed to remove fetus from the womb without invasive procedures or inducing trauma. [2]
Expected to be used throughout the country, and exported to other nations. [2]
Sources:
KEY QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION
Is there a correlation between female leadership in politics and improvements in maternal/child healthcare?
What happens to population growth and infant mortality should populist regimes be removed?
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