The Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health (BMJ Journals) published this week a special supplement that highlights the papers that will be presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting da Society for Social Medicine & Population Health, which will take place in Newcastle (6–8 September 2023).

During the meeting, the director of the International Center for Equity in Health (ICEH), Aluisio Barros will show the results of the investigation on the changes that have occurred in coverage and equity in reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health (RMNCH), in 101 countries.

To assess the progress achieved over three decades (1993 -2021), the composite coverage index (CCI) was used as an indicator of universal health care for RMNCH (Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health), estimating its coverage and related wealth inequality.

The results showed significant progress both in coverage and in health inequalities. However, this progress has been uneven across countries and regions. Low- and middle-income countries showed a more pronounced increase in coverage, while in high-income countries the changes were less significant. Regarding inequality measures, the results showed that in 1993 the difference between the richest and poorest was 33 percentage points and that in 2021 the difference dropped to 14 points. The results of the regional analysis showed faster changes in progress achieved by countries in South Asia while in West and Central Africa progress was slower.

To learn more, access the summary of the work that will be presented at SSM2023: BMJ