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Cofinancing immunisation through national health insurance - P4H Network

Cofinancing immunisation through national health insurance

The Lancet Correspondence suggests using national health insurance to cofinance immunisation in low- and middle-income countries, emphasising the need for self-reliant health systems post-COVID-19.

In the global health arena, sustainable immunisation financing poses a pressing challenge, particularly for low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) with historically underfunded systems. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the urgency of self-reliant health systems, many nations still heavily rely on donor funds for routine immunisation. Against a backdrop of economic constraints and political instability, securing sufficient allocations for immunisation within national budgets remains uncertain.

However, a Lancet Correspondence by Uchenna A Amaechi and colleagues proposes national health insurance as an innovative solution to cofinance immunisation services. This strategy, already adopted by many countries to drive progress towards universal health coverage, offers a promising avenue to redirect pooled funds towards primary healthcare, including immunisation. By outlining key recommendations for action, the authors advocate for a paradigm shift in healthcare financing, urging stakeholders to explore national health insurance as a vital funding source for immunisation, especially in LMICs.

Reference
Abdu A Adamu, Duduzile Ndwandwe, Rabiu I Jalo, Ibrahim D Muhammad, Charles S Wiysonge, Cofinancing immunisation through national health insurance, The Lancet