The health care system in Brazil hasestablished the important principle of universal coverage,yet, it faces several key challenges: its expenditurepatterns favor the regions that are already better off, andhealthier, and, needs to take into account diversepractices, and cultures, in addition to considerations forthe weak referral system. The report focuses on the healthcare system, particularly on enhancing maternal and prenatalhealth, certain health care interventions, such asimmunizations, oral rehydration therapy, and casemanagement. Chapter 1 argues that the major reason for thematernal and child health risks is the concentration ofillness and death among the poor : infant mortality ratesjump 80-100 percent from the next to lowest income quintile,to the lowest. Several interventions, such as strategies topromote productivity, increase economic opportunities, andenhance maternal education among the poor, could help reduceinequalities. Chapter 2 uses estimates of avoidable childdeaths to prioritize health interventions in the country,and, Chapter 3 argues that the federal government programsin women and children's health could be expanded byprioritizing on failed expenditure patterns, improvingreferral systems, and emphasizing the importance ofutilizing nutrition education. Chapter 4 makes policyrecommendations on sector goals, suggests basic actions toachieve such goals, and provides measures to improve thequality of care, and evaluation.
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