[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ admin_label=”!!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”SUMMARY” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px||20px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
The Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) is a low-income country located in South-East Asia. It has a population of 26 million with a life expectancy of 73 years at birth. The under-5 child mortality rate is estimated at 17.3 deaths per 1,000 live births. The DPRK faces a triple burden of disease that includes addressing the high burden of tuberculosis, maintaining and further decreasing malaria, and sustaining immunization coverage. In addition, there is a steady rise in noncommunicable diseases that requires urgent attention.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 1″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]The DPRK regularly encounters challenges from natural disasters and climate conditions, which directly affect health and health services. Also, health systems have an inadequate supply of the essential medicines, equipment and skilled human resources needed to deliver quality health services.[1]<\/a><\/sup><\/span>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 2 ” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The transition in DPRK\u2019s health system resembles transitions other socialist countries experienced during the 1990s. North Korean health facilities were operated through centrally raised public revenue within a centralized administrative system. The authorities attempted to provide comprehensive free healthcare through the formal health system. It aimed to promote public health, prevent diseases, and increase the effectiveness of treatment through the integration of traditional and western medicine.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][ba_gradient_heading title=”Inadequate financing for the health sector” html_tag=”h3″ primary_color=”#455A64″ secondary_color=”#455A64″ admin_label=”HEADING (50-60 characters)” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” title_font_size=”26px” title_line_height=”1em” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/ba_gradient_heading][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 3″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]As the economic crisis accelerated during the last two decades of the 21st century, the socialist health system has been scaled back. The country pursued universal health coverage (UHC), but the health coverage rate is low because of inadequate health financing. It is difficult for the government to secure an adequate budget to support the centralized health system.[2]<\/a><\/sup><\/span>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 4 ” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The DPRK has an elaborate health policy based on the Public Health Law and has formulated policy directives to reduce inequality in the health status of the population. The Medium Term Strategic Plan for Developing the Health Sector (2016 -2020) was drafted in coordination with the country\u2019s major health sector partners. Several program-specific strategies and plans are being updated in line with global strategies and commitments.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 9 – references” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”13px” custom_margin=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_main_element=”a { color: #4c7e96; }” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]References<\/strong><\/p>\n [1]\u00a0 Noh, Jin-Won, Kyoung-Beom Kim, Ha-Eun Jang, Min-Hee Heo, Young-Jin Kim, and Jiho Cha. 2022. “Non-Communicable Diseases and Transitioning Health System in the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea during COVID-19 Lockdown”<\/a> Healthcare 10, no. 10: 2095.<\/p>\n