EPIDEMIOLOGY AND HEALTH DATA INSIGHTS

Keyword: Healthcare System

2 results found.

Original Article
Kazakhstan’s Healthcare System Through the Harvard Control Knobs: Analysis of Performance and Future Strategic Directions
Epidemiology and Health Data Insights, 2(1), 2026, ehdi028, https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/17861
ABSTRACT: This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the health system of the Republic of Kazakhstan, its current state, key achievements and remaining challenges. Using the Harvard “Five Control Knobs” analytical framework (financing, payment, organization, regulation and behavior), as well as analysis of the dynamics of the main medical and demographic indicators and human resources for 2017-2023, the article seeks to fill the gap in the systemic understanding of the effectiveness of the ongoing reforms and their impact on the health of the population. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between the various components of the system and the identification of priority areas for further improvement.
Our findings indicate a moderate improvement in population health, with average life expectancy increasing from 72.9 to 75.1 years and overall mortality returning to pre-pandemic levels. However, noncommunicable diseases continue to account for approximately 84% of all deaths. Total health expenditure remained low at 3.8% of GDP in 2023, while out-of-pocket spending accounted for 27.7% of current health expenditure, reflecting persistent gaps in financial protection. Although the introduction of mandatory social health insurance has expanded pooled financing, significant weaknesses persist in provider incentive structures, workforce distribution, and regulatory enforcement.
Overall, the results suggest that while gradual progress has been achieved, chronic underfunding, system fragmentation, and governance challenges continue to constrain equity and efficiency, underscoring the need for coordinated, evidence-based reforms.
Review Article
Strengthening Preparedness for Infectious Disease Outbreaks in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons from Recent Outbreaks
Epidemiology and Health Data Insights, 1(3), 2025, ehdi010, https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/16853
ABSTRACT: One of the major public health emergencies that has affected lives globally is infectious disease outbreaks. These issues are of great concern due to their potential to transcend borders. The control and management of such outbreaks even with the attention channelled towards it globally has been a difficult task in many developing and underdeveloped countries of the world of which the majority of sub-saharan african countries fall under. However, with this review, we aim to contribute to the body of knowledge dedicated towards control of infectious diseases by analyzing the preparedness of Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries in managing infectious disease outbreaks based on lessons from recent outbreaks (with focus on COVID-19, Lassa fever and Ebola outbreaks). In carrying out this narrative review, we make use of PubMed and African Journals Online (AJOL) as the primary literature sources. To ensure we capture publications from reputable organizations that are solely involved in control of infectious diseases in the region, we carried out a grey literature search.
However in this review, we synthesized challenges such as weak healthcare systems, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, inefficient surveillance systems, poor data management and reporting practices, limited laboratory capacity and reliance on external donors for supplies during emergencies.
The review proposes potential interventional measures aimed at addressing these challenges aimed at enhancing the preparedness
The findings from this review provide critical insights into the preparedness gaps and potential interventions, informing policy and practice to enhance the region's resilience future outbreaks.