Article type
Abstract
Background
Investing in women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health (WCAH) is multifaceted and closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The investment in WCAH positively impacts both direct and indirect SDG targets. For example, improving maternal health contributes to reducing child mortality (SDG 3.2) and improving education (SDG 4.1). Investing in adolescents' health helps prevent early pregnancies and reduces the spread of HIV/AIDS (SDGs 3.3 and 3.8). This scoping review examines the complex landscape of WCAH initiatives in low- and middle-income countries. During this panel session, we will explore the financial dimensions of these interventions, including cost-effectiveness, resource allocation, and sustainable financing.
Objective
The purpose of this panel is to present the findings of the scoping review on economic and financial evaluations of WCAH and discuss their implications. This session will also examine how evidence is being used, as well as the steps that can be taken to maximize its value.
Methods
We conducted the scoping review in accordance with Levac et al (2020) and Arksey and O'Malley (2005). This was supplemented with an evidence gap map that presented the areas of evidence concentration and gaps (White et al, 2020).
Results
The scoping review identified 732 economic and financial evaluations of interventions in WCAH in LMICs. The report identifies areas where investments are needed to accelerate progress toward WCAH-sensitive SDGs, including vaccines for infectious diseases, HIV and sexually transmitted infections, and reproductive cancers. Among the gaps revealed are stillbirth prevention, sex education, services for sexual health and well-being, child protection, and preparedness and response measures. The most commonly used evaluation methods were cost-utility and cost-effectiveness analyses. The results from equity-informative economic and financial evaluations revealed that interventions targeting WCAH in LMICs are typically pro-poor, targeting vulnerable populations and focusing on areas such as family planning, maternal health, and child survival.
Conclusion
In this review, robust evidence is found to support interventions and investments across WCAH continuums and to accelerate progress toward SDGs with WCAH consideration.
Investing in women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health (WCAH) is multifaceted and closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The investment in WCAH positively impacts both direct and indirect SDG targets. For example, improving maternal health contributes to reducing child mortality (SDG 3.2) and improving education (SDG 4.1). Investing in adolescents' health helps prevent early pregnancies and reduces the spread of HIV/AIDS (SDGs 3.3 and 3.8). This scoping review examines the complex landscape of WCAH initiatives in low- and middle-income countries. During this panel session, we will explore the financial dimensions of these interventions, including cost-effectiveness, resource allocation, and sustainable financing.
Objective
The purpose of this panel is to present the findings of the scoping review on economic and financial evaluations of WCAH and discuss their implications. This session will also examine how evidence is being used, as well as the steps that can be taken to maximize its value.
Methods
We conducted the scoping review in accordance with Levac et al (2020) and Arksey and O'Malley (2005). This was supplemented with an evidence gap map that presented the areas of evidence concentration and gaps (White et al, 2020).
Results
The scoping review identified 732 economic and financial evaluations of interventions in WCAH in LMICs. The report identifies areas where investments are needed to accelerate progress toward WCAH-sensitive SDGs, including vaccines for infectious diseases, HIV and sexually transmitted infections, and reproductive cancers. Among the gaps revealed are stillbirth prevention, sex education, services for sexual health and well-being, child protection, and preparedness and response measures. The most commonly used evaluation methods were cost-utility and cost-effectiveness analyses. The results from equity-informative economic and financial evaluations revealed that interventions targeting WCAH in LMICs are typically pro-poor, targeting vulnerable populations and focusing on areas such as family planning, maternal health, and child survival.
Conclusion
In this review, robust evidence is found to support interventions and investments across WCAH continuums and to accelerate progress toward SDGs with WCAH consideration.