By Masato Okumura and Cesar Buenadicha
Every day, around the world, more than 16 billion hours are invested in unpaid care work, the equivalent of 2 billion people working full-time without a salary. This effort is essential for daily life, yet it is rarely acknowledged as a fundamental pillar of social and economic development. In Latin America and the Caribbean, women take on between 68% and 80% of caregiving responsibilities at home, and in many cases, this burden limits their access to education, paid employment, and their physical and mental well-being.
In the face of this challenge, it is urgent to transform the way care is conceived and managed. Beyond recognizing its value, the key lies in developing innovative solutions that strengthen the care ecosystem, improve conditions for caregivers, and ensure quality support for those who need it. At IDB Lab, we work to promote solutions that not only enhance the quality of life for those receiving care but also create economic opportunities and strengthen the care sector through innovation, investment, and knowledge generation.
One of the most significant advancements in this field is ANA Care, a digital platform designed to train and certify caregivers, allowing them to access better working conditions and improve their well-being. ANA develops technology and artificial intelligence to train, guide, support, and connect caregivers, enabling them to become the backbone of the new healthcare system. By leveraging artificial intelligence, ANA enhances caregivers' work, improves their quality of life, and helps reduce overall care costs by 30%.
To date, 5,899 caregivers have received training through the platform, 95% of them women, with 40% coming from vulnerable areas. The training has not only improved their quality of life but has also had a direct impact on their economic stability: 98% of participants have seen improvements in their personal and professional situations, and certified caregivers have increased their income by 25%.
Another key factor to consider when thinking about the future of care is the rapid aging of the population in Latin America and the Caribbean. By 2050, more than 28% of the population will be over 60 years old, increasing the demand for care services and posing new challenges for healthcare and long-term care systems. This context calls for innovative models that not only address current needs but also lay the foundation for building comprehensive care systems.
In response to this trend, IDB and IDB Lab have developed Silver Region, the first multilateral fund dedicated to improving care services for older adults in the region. This initiative is carried out in partnership with the Arturo Sesana Foundation, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and GRADE, with support from Latimpacto and Innpactia. Región Plateada focuses on three key areas: sector diagnostics, support for entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions, and investment in high-impact care models. In its first call for proposals, the initiative received 1,899 applications, with 234 projects evaluated by a panel of experts. As the initiative grows, its focus is expanding to Central America and the Caribbean to address the most pressing care needs in these territories.
Beyond aging, ensuring equitable access to care services is a structural challenge that requires solutions adapted to each context. Throughout the region, many older adults wish to age in their homes but face limited options to do so with dignity and security. In countries like Jamaica, we are developing community-based care models that prioritize their autonomy and well-being. In collaboration with the University of the West Indies’ Centre for Aging and Wellness, we are implementing an innovative system that will benefit 48,000 older adults. This initiative integrates GIS mapping to identify vulnerable populations, training for local caregivers, digital platforms to improve access to services, and the creation of community day centers in urban and rural areas. Additionally, we are developing a telecare system and health aides that will enable older adults to receive care directly in their homes through an app and a website.
Innovation in the care sector not only improves the lives of those receiving care but also represents an opportunity for economic and social transformation in the region. By strengthening professionalization and ensuring decent working conditions for caregivers, we can build a more equitable and sustainable care system. During this Women's Month, we reaffirm the importance of advancing solutions that improve the conditions of those who shoulder the majority of caregiving responsibilities, creating more opportunities and well-being for society as a whole.