The Fund supports networks of state health policy decision makers to help identify, inspire, and inform policy leaders.
A bipartisan group of state health policymakers from both the executive and legislative branches who are focused on improving population health.
Networks of state officials, advocates, and others aiming to invest in and transform primary care.
A program dedicated to advancing state-based efforts to make health care more affordable for residents, employers, and states.
The Milbank Memorial Fund supports two state leadership programs for legislative and executive branch state government officials committed to improving population health.
A leadership development program for early and mid-career state government officials who are committed to improving the health of all people in their communities.
A leadership program for senior state government officials who are committed to improving population health.
The Fund focuses on creating an affordable health care system built on strong primary care and partnerships that improve health outcomes for all.
Improving state leaders’ ability to enact and implement evidence-based health policies.
Advancing policies that create a more prevention- and primary care-oriented health system.
Improving population health through policies that contain health care cost growth.
Our state health policy resources offer relevant data analysis and best practices.
The Fund publishes reports, issues briefs, and case studies on state health policy issues.
Short takes on health policy issues from Milbank staff and guest authors.
Insights from Milbank President Debra Lubar on state health policymaking.
Reported articles and Q&As on timely health policy issues, as well as foundation updates.
Milbank Memorial Fund and Milbank Quarterly webinars featuring state health policymakers and researchers.
Updates and expert contact information for reporters.
The Milbank Memorial Fund is a private foundation that works to improve population health and health equity.
March 2026 (Volume 104)
Quarterly Article
Ilias Kyriopoulos
Dimitrios Minos
Sotiris Vandoros
Elias Mossialos
March 2025
June 2024
The Future of Population Health
Back to The Milbank Quarterly
Policy Points:
Context: While public health research has examined the macro-level and structural determinants of health, the link between corruption and population health remains underexplored. This study investigates the relationship between corruption and mortality and explores potential pathways underlying this association. In doing so, it contributes to the broader literature on the political economy of health and the upstream factors associated with population health.
Methods: This study draws on country-level data from 102 countries spanning 2008-2018. We use econometric methods, including instrumental variables and the Mundlak approach. To mitigate endogeneity concerns, we employ an instrumental variable approach based on ancestry and oral tradition, using historical cultural factors plausibly related to contemporary corruption levels.
Findings: We find a significant relationship between corruption and higher mortality rates. Corruption is also linked with weaker fiscal capacity, reduced government funding for health care, distorted resource allocation, and patterns consistent with misallocation of public funds. Additionally, the association between corruption and mortality varies across levels of public goods provision.
Conclusions: This study expands existing research on social determinants of health by highlighting the relevance of institutional and political factors for population health. Addressing corruption could be recognized as a public health priority, given its association with health financing and population health.