The United States has much to learn from Costa Rica.
This message was clearly conveyed in a conversation with former President Carlos Alvarado Quesada of Costa Rica at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health on October 13.
Alvarado took office in 2018 at the age of 38 and resigned last May after completing his constitutionally limited term. He is currently a Professor of Practice at Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
Alvarado led Costa Rica into the COVID-19 pandemic. Costa Rica has weathered the country successfully due to its strong universal health care system and extensive network of primary health care clinics and vaccination facilities. Alvarado also launched a national decarbonization plan, with the goal of making climate change a top priority and achieving net-zero his emissions nationwide by 2050.
“Costa Rica is an example of how a small country can tackle big challenges and become a global model.
At an event with Cornelius Lau, a student pursuing a master’s degree in science in epidemiology, Alvarado argued that politics is more about big, flashy announcements and announcements than the quiet, drudgery of investing in public health. It acknowledged that it tends to reward investment.
“The best actions we can take for public health do not always correlate with high spending. Simple things like reminding people how to do things like that,” he said. “If you’re a politician, you might want to open a gaudy big hospital.”
In his introduction, Williams noted that Costa Rica’s investment in public health began in earnest in the 1970s, with a concerted effort to design a system that prioritized primary and preventive care. The government has created dedicated public health teams in every community and built quality clinics in even the most remote areas. A series of campaigns focused on critical issues such as maternal mortality, nutrition, hygiene and immunization. “It was an amazing success,” said Williams.
Today, life expectancy in Costa Rica is approaching 81 years. In contrast, the United States has 76 after a steep decline over the past two years.
“We have a lot to learn from Costa Rica when it comes to health policy and management,” Williams said.
Alvarado emphasized the importance of recognizing access to health and medical care as a ‘fundamental right’.
Asking Harvard students for advice, Alvarado urged them to identify their passions and make them their guiding stars. “There is a need [follow] Be brave,’ he said. “Change is possible. If a small country like Costa Rica can do these things, you too can make a difference for the better.”
— Stephanie Simon
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