The ADB’s Social Protection Index: what does it really tell us about social security provision in Asia?
The recent release of the Asian Development Bank’s Social Protection Index (SPI) has generated much interest; it even merited a story in the Economist. However, little attention has been paid to the SPI’s definition of social protection. Yet, it is this definition – and the schemes included and excluded in the...
The Ghosts of User Fees Past: exploring accountability for victims of a 30-year economic policy mistake
In this guest blog, Rick Rowden, doctoral candidate in Economic Studies and Planning at Jawaharlal Nehru University, discusses the World Bank’s health user fees and what the recent change in direction from the World Bank could mean for those affected by this policy. On May 21st, World Bank Group President Jim Yong...
Achieving Education and Health Outcomes in Pacific Island Countries
A research paper examining the challenges facing Pacific Island countries as they strive to improve the health and education of their people. It examines the policies that need to be...
Tackling Mental Health: a FundaMental starting point
Everyone’s talking about mental health – particularly its effect on the world’s poorest countries. But what do we do about it? Where do we start? Jessica Mackenzie suggests four crucial steps.
Mother and child health the focus of new maternal health transfers in western Kenya
A social protection scheme to support the health of expectant and new mothers and their babies in western Kenya is getting underway. The County Government of Vihiga, UNICEF Kenya and...
Government of Uganda outlines information and communication technology role in development plans
The Government of Uganda is outlining a vision for how information and communications technology (ICT) can underpin the nation’s development at a conference in Kampala. The Ministry of ICT & National Guidance...
Improving mother and child health, underpinned by a management information system
High infant and maternal mortality rates are experienced in Kakamega County in western Kenya. The County Government of Kakamega, supported by UNICEF Kenya and the Government of Sweden, have therefore set...
Uncovering adolescent challenges to address: A Situational Analysis of Children in Mongolia
Adolescence is a crucial developmental period in the life of a person, which marks the transition from childhood towards adulthood. Investing in adolescents is therefore vital to creating a healthy...