Social Infrastructure

Public health systems in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) rely on obsolete infrastructure and technology. At least US$100 billion are required to update existing hospitals, clinics, and equipment. Another challenge is inequity, with major differences in access and quality of health services between and within countries across the region.

The region’s educational performance is poor. In the most recent Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), LAC countries were placed in the bottom third of the ranking. Furthermore, education infrastructure also needs improvement with 35% of students attending poorly equipped schools, mostly in rural areas.

Even though education and health services are generally provided by the public sector, governments need help to address the large-scale investment requirements. The private sector can provide the necessary financing and innovation to tackle the major problems faced by the region.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are a further means of addressing large-scale health and education infrastructure projects. The private sector has an extensive track record in the development, implementation, maintenance, and operation of assets related to health and education and could improve the efficiency and quality of services. The IDB Group can work together with governments to help develop the PPP structures and regulatory frameworks for private investment.

We also work with private companies to improve the efficiency of their operations, strengthen their corporate governance practices, and improve their positioning for commercial financing. The IDB Group's knowledge of the region and its experience in public and private sectors, combined with our technical capacity to create innovative financial and non-financial products, make us the partner of choice to find solutions to promote the sector’s development.

We not only ensure the financial viability of each project but also the long-term social and economic impact. We consider environmental and social aspects, gender equality, climate change, and corporate governance.