Worldwide, 200 million children under the age of five are deprived of basic health care. In the United States, more than 40 million people lack health insurance. As the U.S. wrestles with its own health care system, Worldfocus explores success stories -- and cautionary tales -- of different health systems around the world.
Singapore has one of the best health care systems in the world, according to the World Health Organization, and the price tag is a mere 4 percent of the country's GDP (compared to 17 percent in the U.S.). In Canada, the government guarantees all citizens basic medical services, and there is little paperwork, but long lines have sent some Canadians to private clinics. In Brazil, rich and poor alike benefit from free health care -- but offering so much has put a strain on the health system and conditions are substandard.
Our partners around the world also explore health care in Britain, China, Argentina and beyond.
"Health of Nations" is a collection of signature videos, interviews, reporter observations and analysis from the field and blogger perspectives.
Sudan wages war on Guinea worms
Guinea worm is a painful disease that still infects thousands of people in Africa. Despite progress, the worms continue to spread through contaminated drinking water, and this is where Sudan is now fighting to eradicate the disease.
Quality health care minus the bill in Greece
Worldfocus blogger Peter Eisner is traveling in Greece and recounts his experience taking a relative to a hospital clinic -- one without a pay window or billing procedures. He compares Greek and American health care.
Caribbean HIV rate ranks second to sub-Saharan Africa
Daljit Dhaliwal and Julia Greenberg of AIDS-Free World discuss Jamaica's AIDS epidemic within the context of the Caribbean region, address anti-sodomy laws in Jamaica and around the world and identify the successes and shortcomings Jamaica has experienced in containing the epidemic.
Thai vaccine shows promise in preventing AIDS
In a large study in Thailand, an experimental vaccine protected about a third of those who received it against the AIDS virus. Jessica Justman of the International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health discusses prospects for the future. If an AIDS vaccine were available, would you take it? Tell us what you think.
Jamaica’s AIDS epidemic, by the numbers
Producer Micah Fink breaks down the statistics that have been used to characterize Jamaica's HIV/AIDS epidemic and its impact on the gay community.
Jamaica’s battle against AIDS fought in the shadows
Jamaica may be on the verge of losing its battle against the AIDS epidemic because of deeply entrenched anti-gay attitudes and laws. Correspondent Lisa Biagiotti, producer Micah Fink and director of photography Gabrielle Weiss report from the front lines of Jamaica's battle against HIV and AIDS, a war waged in the shadows.
H1N1 virus hasn’t mutated, WHO says
The World Health Organization says that the H1N1 virus hasn't mutated into a more deadly strain. However, WHO officials are warning that the pandemic will hit poor countries especially hard. Michael Novacek of the American Museum of Natural History discusses the dangers.
Weighing U.S. health care against other countries
Following U.S. President Barack Obama's speech on health care reform, Worldfocus examines the issue from a global perspective with Victor Rodwin of New York University's Wagner School of Public Service. Are you convinced that health care in the U.S. is as good as that in other developed nations? Tell us what you think.
Argentina’s health care is a right, but system aches of overuse
Buses come to Argentina from neighboring countries for health treatment, but many Argentinians complain that their tax dollars can no longer subsidize the overused and abused health system.
China seeks health care for more of its massive population
Millions of people in China lack basic health care coverage. In an effort to expand coverage, the government has devoted $125 billion to health care reform -- but challenges remain.
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