There is substantial evidence that cost-sharing in medical care constrains total health spending. However, there is relatively little (and unclear) evidence on its health effects, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This paper re-evaluates the link between outpatient cost-sharing and h...

Since 2019, the UK’s strong reputation in global health has been undermined by a series of deep cuts and a distracting departmental reorganisation. 2024 may, however, represent a turning point, with new Foreign and Development Ministers, both with a strong track record on development, the implementa...

Epidemics and pandemics pose a sporadic and sometimes severe threat to human health. How should policymakers prioritize preventing and preparing for such events, relative to other needs? Our simulations suggest that an event having the mortality level of COVID-19 should not be considered a “once in ...

Using DHS data for South Asia, we find that most undernourished individuals are not found in wealth-poor households. They are also not typically found in the same households: 40 percent of households have differing nutritional status among members, and 66 percent of undernourished individuals reside...

Many countries are facing a much harsher budgetary prospect than a few years ago. For low- and middle-income countries in particular, domestic health expenditure is expected to plateau or contract (in real terms) for many until 2027, development assistance for health has already plateaued, and a deb...

A main driver of antimicrobial resistance is the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials. But lack of access to antimicrobials causes a large mortality burden and contributes to the spread of resistant infections. How can learnings from the use of control policies in other areas of medicine be translat...

Around half of children in low-income countries have elevated blood lead levels. What role does lead play in explaining low educational outcomes in these settings?