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...

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?

This working paper aims to synthesise existing research and thinking on how antimicrobials are procured and ways to improve the current purchasing system.

In developing Asia there is potential for higher corrective taxes to help prevent many non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and contribute revenue. The productivity loss from death and disability from alcohol, tobacco and diets high in sugar-sweetened beverages in purchasing power parity dollars is PPP$...

This paper explores the historical record in the development and deployment of vaccines globally and puts the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in that context. Although far more can be done and should be done to speed equitable access to vaccines in the COVID-19 response, it is worth noting the revolutionar...