Strengthening Drug Reimbursement in Uzbekistan
GIZ BACKUP Health supports Uzbekistan’s State Health Insurance Fund in scaling up its drug reimbursement system — advancing universal health coverage and improving access to essential medicines.In June and September 2025, consultant Nataliia Hnatyuk provided targeted...
Strengthening health system financing in the context of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a double shock – health and economic. Strengthening health financing systems has been a stressful task, not only for developing countries but also for developed countries. This study compares the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the...
Panama’s National Assembly discusses 2026 health budget
Summary: The Budget Commission of the National Assembly of Panama met on September 16, 2025 to discuss the draft health budget for the year 2026.El 16 de septiembre 2025, la Comisión del Presupuesto de la Asamblea Nacional de Panamá se reunió para discutir el...
Pilot phase of health insurance in Comoros
The experimental phase of generalized health insurance in the Comoros was launched in June 2025. This is a concrete step towards universal health coverage in the country. In June 2025, the pilot phase of generalized health insurance in the Comoros was agreed between...
Results of the free mother-child care policy in Burkina Faso
Since 2016 there has been a national policy of free healthcare for mothers and children in Burkina Faso. The government returned the fairly positive results of evaluation missions of this policy in Ouagadougou in June 2025, with some recommendations to improve...
Japan’s emerging role in bridging immunisation gap and supporting global health
The sudden suspension of United States funding to the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and Gavi in 2025 has raised serious concerns for global immunisation programmes. Historically, US support has been instrumental in reducing child mortality and...
Saving lives, spending less: the global investment case for noncommunicable diseases
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses are the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming millions of lives each year and placing immense strain on health systems. The World Health...
Financing and purchasing mechanisms of primary health care in Southeast Asia region: Findings from a scoping review
Primary health care (PHC) is recognized as the cornerstone of resilient health systems, yet financing it remains a persistent challenge in many parts of the world. In Southeast Asia, countries continue to prioritize PHC in policy commitments, but questions remain...
What’s next for sugar taxes?
As global rates of obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases continue to rise, governments are increasingly turning to fiscal policies as tools for improving public health. Among the most debated and widely adopted measures are sugar taxes—levies designed...
Vietnam planning to implement the universal hospital fee exemption policy
Vietnam’s Resolution 72 sets a roadmap to exempt basic hospital fees by 2030 through health insurance. Starting 2026, citizens get free annual check-ups and digital health records. Funded by the state and insurance, the reform reduces out-of-pocket costs, prioritizes...
Avoiding trillion-dollar delays: Pooled pandemic financing to reduce global losses
The Center for Global Development (CGD) has released a working paper by Ruchir Agarwal, Avoiding Trillion-Dollar Delays: Pooled Pandemic Financing to Reduce Global Losses (September 2025). The paper underscores how the absence of a coordinated financing mechanism...
Kenya SHA to raise Sh90 billion annually to support Universal Health Coverage
Kenya will generate Sh90 billion yearly through the Social Health Authority to fund Universal Health Coverage, reducing reliance on loans. The government has also leased Sh200 billion worth of medical equipment and mobilized Sh300 billion for healthcare upgrades to...
Egypt to begin second phase of universal health insurance in Minya
Egypt has begun phase two of its universal health insurance, starting in Minya and assessing Alexandria’s inclusion. Five governorates will be covered, serving 12 million people. Alexandria’s participation depends on financial review. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa...
Cabinet set to review National Health Insurance Bill as Zimbabwe targets universal health coverage
Zimbabwe has finalised its National Health Insurance Bill, set for Cabinet approval and rollout by 2026. Funded through earmarked taxes, it guarantees full primary care coverage and scales up at higher levels, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket costs and ensure equitable,...
National Health Development Plan 2026-2030 validated in Benin
Benin's council of ministers on September 3, 2025 validated the national health development plan 2026-2030. It is planned to spend 1,000 billion FCFA on health during this period. In early September 2025, the Council of Ministers validated Benin's National Health...