New WHO/Europe report identifies coverage policy options to improve financial protection in Malta
Nearly 7% of Maltese households face catastrophic health spending. To improve financial protection, Malta should expand means-tested schemes, reduce medicine prices, address waiting times, and broaden publicly funded dental services. A new WHO report, “Can people...
A Comparative Look at Healthcare Sector in Armenia and Azerbaijan
Armenia’s social health insurance model focuses on universal coverage and vulnerable groups but faces challenges in funding sustainability and healthcare quality, while Azerbaijan’s state-funded system benefits from oil revenues to modernize infrastructure but...
Alliance between ADRES-Colombia and FONASA-Chile on health financing issues
The Administradora de los Recursos del Sistema General de Seguridad Social (ADRES) and the Chilean Health Fund (Fonasa) have formalized a strategic alliance. This collaboration will strengthen financing and health systems in general. In Bogota, Colombia, on June 2024,...
Modernising and expanding healthcare in Uzbekistan
The BMZ is assisting the Uzbek government in implementing its national health strategy and reforming its social protection system. The aim is to provide comprehensive access to health services for all people in Uzbekistan in a system that discriminates against no-one....
Togo’s Innovative Approach to Solving Healthcare Delivery Challenges
Togo’s healthcare inefficiencies limit outcomes despite investment, with medicine shortages, workforce disparities, and equipment gaps. Using the FinHealth Toolkit, Togo linked financial management issues to service challenges, fostering inter-ministerial...
Innovative health financing in Congo: a tax on harmful products
The private sector at DRC is involved in discussions on an innovative financing mechanism, a specific tax earmarked for health promotion. The revenue from this tax on harmful products is intended to feed the Health Promotion Fund on a permanent basis. On June 11,...
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...