Regresar

Infantile mortalities, equality and efficiency: a cost-effective analysis for achieving the millennium goal in Ecuador

Abstract:

The present study conducts a cost-effective analysis of alternative interventions to achieve the Infant Mortality Millennium Goal in Ecuador, focusing in particular on vulnerable groups. The analysis combines a set of econometric modeling and budget simulation techniques projected to 2015. The study shows that the infant mortality goal is obtainable for a number of population groups. With a fiscally neutral priorization of health expenditures, the infant mortality goal would be also at reach for the population at large. Protecting the immunization program and expanding the Free Maternity Program (ensuring free universal access to prenatal and natal care) should be among the priorities. In contrast, universal health insurance as an instrument to improve equity and efficiency in the provision of health services - especially for the poor - is not a financial option at the moment.