Universal health coverage in fragile and conflict-affected States: insights from Somalia
A new open-access research article published in the International Journal for Equity in Health examines Somalia’s progress toward achieving universal health coverage (UHC) in the context of ongoing fragility and conflict. Titled "Universal health coverage in fragile...
Experts call for health taxes, double spending to reform Pakistan’s primary healthcare system
Experts have proposed comprehensive reforms to Pakistan’s primary healthcare system, advocating for health taxes, a shift to prepayment financing, and increased public health spending to improve access and reduce financial burdens on households. The symposium...
World report on social determinants of health equity
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its World Report on Social Determinants of Health Equity, shedding new light on the deep-rooted causes of health inequities across the globe. These inequities, often shaped by factors such as income inequality,...
A return on investment analysis for the 2017 increase in alcohol excise taxation in Lithuania
A recent study published in Addiction by Jürgen Rehm, Pol Rovira, Ahmed S. Hassan, Claire de Oliveira, Shannon Lange, Mark J. Thompson, Ilona Tamutienė, Vaida Liutkutė-Gumarov, and colleagues evaluates the impact of Lithuania’s 2017 alcohol excise tax increase. The...
Botswana partners with Buffett Foundation to boost maternal healthcare and UHC
Botswana has announced a major new partnership with the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation aimed at transforming the country's healthcare system, with a focus on maternal health, universal health coverage (UHC), and primary healthcare services. President Duma Boko...
Philanthropic coalition launches $500 million maternal and newborn health fund for sub-Saharan Africa
Philanthropies launch $500M fund to improve maternal and newborn health in sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to save 300,000 lives by 2030 amid global aid cuts. A coalition of philanthropic organisations—including the Gates Foundation, the Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation for...
Financing the cost of health care in Jamaica
The Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness published a discussion paper on health financing for UHC in July, 2023. The paper aimed to stimulate broad public discussion on sustainable financing of the health sector as the country strives towards achieving Universal...
Excess healthcare utilization and costs linked to chronic conditions: a comparative study of nine European countries
The rising prevalence of chronic conditions poses a major challenge to healthcare systems across Europe, driving increased demand for both inpatient and outpatient services. This article, published in the European Journal of Public Health (April 2025, Volume 35, Issue...
Belize National Health Insurance Authority Bill -2024
On November 12, 2024 the government of Belize passed an important bill to establish a National Health Insurance Authority (NHI). The bill includes details on NHI functions, management and financing as well as associated health care providers.
Budget reform increases resources for health in El Salvador
Members of El Salvador's Legislative Assembly approved a budget increase to support the Salud Inteligente Integral (PROSIN) program at the national level. Components include digital health, strengthening health resilience and strengthening the network. On February 19,...
Strengthening primary health care in Ethiopia: A scoping review
Ethiopia's primary health care (PHC) system has made notable progress in enhancing healthcare access and coverage, supported by strong political commitment and the implementation of a national health extension package. Despite these successes, challenges persist,...
Health Transformation Plan for Universal Health Coverage in Iran
Iran's primary healthcare system features a robust network supported by community health workers and has successfully expanded urban services to address significant health challenges. The Health Transformation Plan initiated in 2014 has made substantial strides in...
Who pays when Africans fall sick?
Across Africa, millions in the informal sector remain uninsured—not from apathy, but due to the exclusionary nature of health systems. In Tanzania and beyond, digital innovations offer promising models for more inclusive health insurance.In Tanzania, only 15 percent...
Global health experts call for accountability in private sector influence
Experts at a UNU-IIGH symposium urged stronger regulation of private sector influence to protect public health and ensure equity in global health governance. The United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) and Third World Network...
Kazakhstan’s Primary Health Care Reform Saves Millions, Offers Model for Global Health Systems
Kazakhstan has successfully strengthened its primary health care system, achieving significant cost savings and improving health outcomes by integrating mental health services and adopting a multidisciplinary approach to community care. Kazakhstan has made significant...