Vital

News & commentary about the global health workforce

In Praise of Simplicity

In a world where some two billion people do not have access to basic health care, simple things can have an enormous impact.

Training Health Workers: We Need Practical and Long-Term Solutions

This month’s Health Affairs issue “Lessons from Around the World” highlights some of the most pressing issues in health systems strengthening and human resources for health.

Preventing AIDS Deaths Need Not Be a Fight: A Health Systems Approach

Whatever the disease or health sector of priority—be it HIV/AIDS, malaria, family planning, labor and delivery, or pneumonia—six components of the health system must be functioning and integrated in order for health impacts to be maximized.

Consider the Subject

Kevin Carter’s most famous photograph is almost impossible to witness without taking a moment to collect yourself afterwards.

Making Universal Access a Reality: Yes, We Have To

Recently, Foreign Policy published “The Long Emergency,” an analysis of the future of the United States’ HIV/AIDS programming and funding as the Obama administration reshapes its global health agenda.

Reaching the Goal: World Cup 2010 and Health Workers

Until the final match on July 11, much of the world’s attention is on South Africa as it hosts the World Cup, awash in swirling colors, patriotic chants, dramatic last-minute goals and saves, and yes, buzzing, monotonous vuvuzelas.

Lancet Reports Steady Decline in Maternal Deaths Throughout the World: A Perspective from India

Exciting news: India is among the leading countries in reducing maternal mortality in the last 15 years.

Top 10 Myths about the Global Health Workforce Crisis Busted at the National Physicians Alliance Conference

Recently, I presented this Top 10 at the National Physicians Alliance (NPA) Annual Meeting in California.

Scaling Up Family Planning and Maternal and Child Health Best Practices

I just returned from Bangkok, Thailand where over 400 professionals representing 13 countries in the Asia and Middle East Region came together to wrestle with the complex issue of scaling up family planning and maternal and child health best practices.