The research article by Finn McGuire, Lavanya Vijayasingham, Anna Vassall, Roy Small, Douglas Webb, Teresa Guthrie, and Michelle Remme published in the Journal of Globalization and Health explores how shared financing mechanisms can support collaborative efforts across sectors to improve health outcomes. Many social and structural determinants of health lie outside the remit of health systems, yet traditional budgeting remains siloed, leading to underinvestment in multi-sectoral solutions.
This systematic review identifies and analyses 81 co-financing models from both high-income and low- to middle-income countries. These models involve coordinated funding from sectors such as health, social care, and education to implement integrated services and health-promoting interventions. While few models had rigorous impact evaluations, many showed positive process outcomes and highlighted the potential of co-financing to drive efficiency, equity, and progress on Sustainable Development Goals. The review emphasises the importance of clarifying institutional roles and incentives to realise the full potential of these approaches.