Sustainability of Costa Rica’s Health Insurance at risk
An audit of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) indicates that the state's debt continues to increase over time. The sustainability of health insurance depends on the timely recovery of amounts owed in a timely manner. The report (January 2025) of the internal...
Empowering the Health Sector Through Solar Access: A Lifeline for Zimbabwe’s Medical Facilities
The installation of solar power in over 200 rural health facilities across Zimbabwe has enabled uninterrupted medical care, improved vaccine storage, and expanded access to essential health services, resulting in higher vaccination rates and reduced disease...
Nation’s Healing Promise: Tanzania’s Bold Push Towards Universal Health Insurance
Tanzania’s Universal Health Insurance Act, 2023, aims to provide mandatory health coverage for all citizens, addressing low insurance rates and high out-of-pocket costs. Success hinges on trust, political will, and inclusive financing to ensure equitable, accessible...
Health Ministry Launches Oman National Health Policy
Oman’s Ministry of Health has launched a new National Health Policy aligned with Oman Vision 2040, emphasizing a holistic, cross-sector approach to "Health for All, by All" by integrating health considerations across all government policies and prioritizing...
Multidisciplinary group works to strengthen Paraguay’s health system
Summary: In March 2025, a multi-ministerial group met in Paraguay, including, among others, the ministries of health and finance, to work on strengthening the healthcare system. Within 60 days, they are to propose specific measures for intensive care units. At the...
Parliament approves historic GH¢10 billion for NHIA to revolutionise Ghana’s healthcare
Ghana’s Parliament has approved a record GH¢10 billion for the National Health Insurance Authority in 2025, significantly expanding funding for claims, operations, and chronic disease care, including dialysis under the NHIS. This major investment aims to improve...
Rare diseases in France: a subject taken very seriously
France's 7000 rare diseases affect more than 3 million people. France is a pioneer in Europe in implementing a national plan for rare diseases. They are reimbursed up to 100% by the French Assurance Maladie. [ba_gradient_heading title="What is a rare disease?"...
Nigeria seeks deeper health ties with Brazil, unveils bold agenda for Universal Health Coverage
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to Universal Health Coverage by deepening strategic health sector cooperation with Brazil, focusing on local pharmaceutical production, digital health, and workforce development, while drawing lessons...
Botswana commissions health financing study amid aid cuts
Botswana has launched a comprehensive health financing study to track healthcare and HIV and AIDS funding and improve resource allocation and policy planning amid declining international donor support. The findings are expected to guide sustainable financing...
Vietnam enacts new social insurance law effective 1 July
Vietnam’s new Social Insurance Law, effective 1 July, restricts lump-sum payouts to workers who meet specific conditions such as serious illness, emigration, or insufficient contribution years at retirement age, aiming to encourage long-term participation in the...
Ethiopia Joins Brics Health Talks, Backs Stronger Global Cooperation
At the 15th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting in Brasília, Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to global health equity, emphasizing the need for resilient health systems and progress toward Universal Health Coverage. The country also called for enhanced cooperation among...
South Korea Faces Fiscal Crisis in National Health Insurance
South Korea’s national health insurance system is facing a financial crisis, with rising premiums unlikely to ensure long-term fiscal stability, prompting the government to propose abolishing the subsidy sunset system and increasing state funding. However, experts...
Time for Africa to Replace the Curative Consumption Trap with Health Production Model
Africa’s health systems remain trapped in a costly, hospital-centered model focused on treating illness rather than preventing it, which is unsustainable given limited resources and a growing burden of non-communicable diseases. To achieve universal health coverage,...
Egypt steps up health reform with Japan-backed universal coverage initiative
The Egypt Healthcare Authority, in partnership with JICA, has launched the E-PaCC project to expand patient-centred care by 2027, as part of Egypt’s broader healthcare reform. This initiative, which includes international partnerships and advanced quality tools,...
ATOM Coalition launches health financing case studies to improve cancer care in LLMICs
The ATOM Coalition's new case studies examine cancer care financing in Georgia, Kenya, the Philippines, and Zambia, offering policy insights to strengthen access in low- and middle-income countries. The Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition, led by the Union...