Exploring the Frontier: A Firsthand Perspective on Health Workforce Challenges in South America

Carol Bales — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:13:04 +0000

Remote regions of the world often face the most challenges accessing health services and health workers. In the frontier areas on the border of Bolivia and Peru, these difficulties are anticipated to intensify with the completion of the transoceanic highway. Intended to link South American ports on the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans, the highway will open this rural frontier to increased commerce, traffic and migration, as well as an increased demand for health services. Consequently, with the opening of the highway, incidence of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other communicable diseases will likely increase.

CapacityPlus recently conducted a study to learn more about the health workforce providing HIV/AIDS services in this region. Anne Wilson led the team that collected data in Madre de Dios, the Peruvian zone on the borders of Brazil and Bolivia, and, along with the other three team members, facilitated a dissemination workshop that presented findings and recommendations. Anne’s resume is full of high-level HRH experience, including serving as director of the Capacity Project.

Author's name:

Amanda Puckett with Anne Wilson

Publication Date:

January 2012

Health Service Delivery

Exploring the Frontier: A Firsthand Perspective on Health Workforce Challenges in South America