Making evidence accessible

This brief is based on a systematic review examining which promotional approaches are effective in changing handwashing and sanitation behaviour, and which implementation factors affect the success or failure of such interventions.

A growing evidence base suggests that health insurance in poor areas can improve people’s access to health care. But the poorest in these areas do not seem to benefit much. Health insurance programs, generally, have not helped in reaching out to the poorest or improving their health care use.

Fairtrade can have positive impacts on producers in developing countries, increasing income and employment opportunities, reducing vulnerability to price fluctuations and giving producers a better access to larger foreign markets and attract higher value.

Good quality education is out of reach for many poor people, due to its high costs. Governments try to make it more accessible by subsidising it. School vouchers provide one means subsidise education. Vouchers allow students to expand their school choice, including attending private schools, potentially providing “better quality” education.

Political corruption is the abuse of public office for illegitimate private gain, and takes many forms. Election fraud, bribery and embezzlement of funds, kickbacks in procurement, nepotism and cronyism and sale of government property for private gain all fit under this umbrella.