Social Programs Save Millions Of Lives, Especially In Times Of Crisis
Social Programs Save Millions Of Lives, Especially In Times Of Crisis Eurasia Review
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Primary Health Care, Conditional Cash Transfers, and Social Pensions in Brazil
A study coordinated by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), supported by the “la Caixa” Foundation, has found that primary health care, conditional cash transfers, and social pensions have been instrumental in preventing 1.4 million deaths in Brazil over the past two decades. The implementation of these programs has had a significant impact on public health and has the potential to avert an additional 1.3 million deaths and 6.6 million hospitalizations by 2030.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Polycrisis
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated poverty and social inequalities worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Additionally, the ongoing war in Ukraine and soaring inflation are expected to further push people into poverty in the coming years. This combination of crises, known as a polycrisis, has a compounded impact that is greater than the sum of its parts.
These worsening socioeconomic conditions have led to higher rates of disease and death, especially among the most vulnerable populations in LMICs. However, social programs have proven to be effective in mitigating the health consequences of economic crises. Brazil has been at the forefront of one of the largest welfare state expansions in recent history, implementing a public universal healthcare system, conditional cash transfer programs (Programa Bolsa Familia) for the poorest families, and social pensions (Beneficio de Prestacao Continuada) for the elderly and disabled.
Reductions in Hospitalizations and Deaths
A study conducted by ISGlobal researcher Davide Rasella and his team evaluated the combined effect of Brazil’s three key programs – conditional cash transfers, social pensions, and primary health care – on hospitalizations and deaths over a period of almost two decades (from 2004 to 2019). This nationwide study in a LMIC is the first of its kind to evaluate these programs comprehensively over such a long period.
Using data from 2,548 Brazilian municipalities, the study demonstrates that high coverage of these programs has led to significant reductions in overall hospitalization and mortality rates, particularly among children under five years of age and adults over 70. In total, 1.46 million deaths were averted between 2004 and 2019. The researchers also used forecasting methods to estimate that extending these programs to the newly poor and vulnerable could prevent an additional 1.3 million deaths by 2030.
“Expanding these three programs is a viable strategy to mitigate the health impact of the current global polycrisis,” says Daniella Cavalcanti, co-first author of the study. “On the contrary, implementing fiscal austerity measures would only result in a large number of preventable deaths.”
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | 1.3 – Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable | – Conditional cash transfers – Social pensions |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.2 – By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births | – Reductions in overall hospitalization and mortality rates – Averted deaths |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 1: No Poverty
The article highlights the impact of social programs such as conditional cash transfers and social pensions in Brazil on poverty reduction and the prevention of deaths. These programs contribute to addressing SDG 1, which aims to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the positive effects of primary health care, conditional cash transfers, and social pensions on hospitalizations and deaths. These interventions contribute to achieving SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable
The article emphasizes the implementation of conditional cash transfer programs and social pensions in Brazil as part of the country’s welfare state expansion. These programs aim to provide social protection and support to the poorest families and the elderly or disabled population.
Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births
The article highlights the reduction in hospitalizations and mortality rates, particularly among children under five years of age. The study shows that the implementation of social programs in Brazil has contributed to preventing deaths in this age group.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- – Conditional cash transfers: This indicator measures the coverage and effectiveness of cash transfer programs in reaching and supporting the poorest families.
- – Social pensions: This indicator measures the coverage and impact of social pension programs in providing support to the elderly and disabled population.
- – Reductions in overall hospitalization and mortality rates: This indicator measures the impact of social programs on reducing hospitalizations and deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations.
- – Averted deaths: This indicator quantifies the number of deaths that have been prevented as a result of implementing social programs.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | 1.3 – Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable | – Conditional cash transfers – Social pensions |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.2 – By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births | – Reductions in overall hospitalization and mortality rates – Averted deaths |
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Source: eurasiareview.com
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