The World Bank has recently released ‘Reaching The Poor: What Works, What Doesn't, and Why.’ The disturbing finding is that most health programs designed to reach the poorest instead help the better-off. Neither public nor private pro-poor initiatives shine. But should policies target certain groups? And if so, what is the best way to do this? At least pro-poor targeting in infrastructure has been somewhat more successful.
Among the few programs highlighted as being successful, those encompassing market principles stand out: such as Mexico’s use of cash transfers and Cambodia’s combination of NGOs and output based aid.
For more, see the report summary or conference presentations and papers.
Update: Views from the Center is also a fan of performance-based healthcare initiatives.
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