Delivering rapid, up-to-date, high-quality evidence is feasible during health emergencies: PAHO living systematic review of 305 COVID-19 potential therapeutics

Objective

To develop a living systematic review to deliver continuous, real-time evidence synthesis in the context of a rapidly evolving landscape of studies on potential therapeutic interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

ECoTES index of occupational safety and health (OSH) system performance: results of a pilot study in six Ibero-American countries

Objective

To describe and evaluate the methodology of the ECoTES index, after its implementation in a pilot study in six Ibero-American countries. The ECoTES index (Spanish acronym for surveys of working conditions, employment and health) is designed to measure the performance of national occupational safety and health (OSH) systems. 

Agreement on pandemics and access to vaccines for low- and middle-income countries

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed flaws in global public health emergency preparedness and response plans, highlighting the urgency of ensuring equitable access to health technologies and products, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In this context, the World Health Organization is negotiating a Pandemic Accord to strengthen global governance, reduce disparities between high-income countries (HICs) and LMICs, and improve prevention and response to future pandemics.

Inclusive digital transformation: the scenario of digital service usage by women in Brazil

The present study used data from the 2023 ICT Households Survey conducted by the Regional Center for Studies on the Development of the Information Society (Cetic.br|NIC.br) to analyze internet access among women in Brazil, as well as their engagement in online health-related activities (searching for health information, accessing government digital services, and using public health services). These indicators were compared based on education level, age, area of residence (urban or rural), and social class.

Contemporary challenges for digital health: literacy, media education, and prevention of disinformation

The objective of this article is to analyze the contemporary challenges facing digital health, focusing on literacy, media education, and the prevention of disinformation. The study shows that strengthening digital literacy is crucial to empowering health professionals and citizens, enabling them to critically navigate the digital environment and identify reliable information. The results indicate the need for multisectoral collaboration and public policies that prioritize digital inclusion and media education, promoting a safe information environment.

HEARTS Pharmacy: A framework for integrating pharmacists in hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk management in primary care

HEARTS Pharmacy, a project within the HEARTS in the Americas Initiative, provides a framework to integrate pharmacists into primary health care. Pharmacists are highly respected in health care but face challenges, such as limited scope of practice, regulatory barriers, and insufficient recognition, compounded by social norms that hinder their full potential. This paper presents compelling evidence that pharmacist-led interven- tions improve blood pressure control, lower cardiovascular risk, and reduce health care costs.

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