Health taxes can boost public health and the economy
Health taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks promote public health and generate significant revenue, crucial for economic growth and resilience. When done efficiently they can greatly enhance population health.The World Bank's latest blog in their "Investing in...
Government purchase of private health services in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
The EMR shows large-scale, domestically funded initiatives of government purchase of private healthcare. Formalised stewardship efforts are underway for better quality and more efficient payments. The outstanding needs is to establish a coherent national direction....
Zimbabweans seek affordable healthcare in Zambia
Many Zimbabweans regularly cross into Zambia to purchase cheaper medication. In Zimbabwe, the same medications cost around $85 per month, whereas just across the border in Livingstone, Zambia, it's only $13, even with travel. Zimbabwe's economic crisis has made...
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development helps transform three hospitals in Montenegro
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has made its first-ever energy efficiency investment in public buildings in Montenegro. A loan of up to €12 million has been provided to the Montenegrin government to finance various energy efficiency...
Webinar on strengthening health economics in WAHO region to focus on health financing
A webinar titled "Strengthening Health Economics in the WAHO Region in Response to the ALM-Declaration Agenda: A Focus on Health Financing" will be held on July 19th, hosted by the West African Health Organization (WAHO) with the Thanzi Programme and the University of...
Morocco-Djibouti: Two MoUs in the field of health and social protection
In April 2024 in Rabat, Morocco and Djibouti signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the fields of health and social protection.The first agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between Morocco and...
Government sets conditions for opening and operating private healthcare establishments
The Head of State, Mr. Ismaiïl Omar Guelleh, chaired the 8th session of the Council of Ministers on May 14, 2024, during which the Djibouti executive examined a draft decree on the conditions for opening and operating private health establishments.This text adopted by...
UK sugar tax leads to significant reduction in children’s sugar consumption
Sugar tax led to a 50% reduction in children's sugar consumption from soft drinks within three years of its announcement in the UK.A recent study has revealed that sugar consumption among children from soft drinks in the UK halved within three years following the...
CSU-Tchad: Targeting the poor launched
As part of the operationalization of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Ministry of Public Health, through the National Health Insurance Fund, launched data collection operations for the economically deprived on July 3, 2024. At the launch ceremony, Chad' s Minister...
New legislative initiative to tackle NCDs and mental health announced at H20 summit
A collaboration between the G20&G7 Health and Development Partnership and the UN NCD Task Force was unveiled at the 2024 H20 summit in Geneva, aiming to strengthen global efforts to combat NCDs and mental health challenges through legislative action and increased...
Central Asia Health Investment Plan agreed by 5 countries
On June 26–27, 2024, the five Central Asian countries met in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, at the Central Asia International Health Investment Forum, organized by WHO/Europe and the Kyrgyz Ministry of Health. Delegates committed to forming a Health Investment Group and...
With the therapy fund reform, the patient’s deductible is canceled
As of July 1, 2024, Estonia's Health Fund (Tervisekassa) fully manages the Therapy Fund, removing patient co-payments and providing a clear list of covered service providers. Family doctors can refer patients to clinical psychologists, speech therapists, and...
NHIMA launches nationwide registration and card distribution program
In a landmark event in Ndola, the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) launched its nationwide registration and card distribution program for new members. This initiative aims to ensure all Zambians can access quality healthcare services under the...
Health economics paves the way for climate-resilient healthcare
As the healthcare sector emerges as a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, health economics offers a pathway to sustainable, climate-resilient healthcare. Through evidence-based strategies, the sector can reduce its environmental footprint while...
Chile: Budget Law 2024 incorporated a contribution for 14 municipalities to join Universal Primary Health Care
The Minister of Health informed that 14 communes joined the Universal Primary Health Care (PHC) coverage, covering a cumulative total of 21 communes. The 2024 Budget Law in Chile approved US$12.19 million for a total of 21 municipalities to be financed under this...