Public health reforms in Estonia: impact on the health of the population
Põlluste, K.; Männik, G.; Axelsson, R.
BMJ 331(7510): 210-213
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0959-8138 PMID: 16037459 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.331.7510.210Document Number: 256533
This article describes the public health reforms in Estonia, focusing on the institutional structure, rationale for reform, specific proposals and reform process, achievements and limitations, and the wider impact of reforms. Life expectancy, infant mortality, abortion rate, morbidity rate (due to tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus infections, and sexually transmitted diseases), and individual risk factors (smoking, diet, and alcohol consumption) are used to describe the trends in the health of the population. The organization of public health services and the national health programmes and projects in Estonia are outlined.