Political economy analysis of health financing reforms in times of crisis: findings from three case studies in south-east Asia
This study examines recent health financing reforms in Nepal, Thailand, and Indonesia through a political economy lens. The objective is to understand whether and how crises can be leveraged to advance universal health coverage (UHC) and to analyse the strategies used...
Ministerial Resolution 035-2025/MINSA – approval of the administrative guideline for strategic health resources.
The ministerial decree signed on January 17, 2025, approves the administrative directive that establishes provisions for the request of strategic health resources and the use of the resources destined for their acquisition and distribution in Peru. These resources are...
Barbados celebrates UHC day 2024
On UHC day in December 2024, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean nations reconfirm their commitment to access for their population to quality health services, without financial hardship. Achieving this goal is a particular challenge for small island developing states,...
Political economy analysis of primary health care-oriented reforms: a case study on contracting district health systems for primary care services in Thailand
In Thailand, primary health care (PHC) is the first point of access to health services for all Thai citizens within the district health system. This case study investigates the political economy factors that have influenced Thailand’s decades-long implementation of...
Catastrophic health expenditure associated with non-inpatient costs among middle-aged and older individuals in China
The primary social health insurance schemes in China, UEMIS and URRMS, mainly cover non-inpatient expenditures, neglecting costs associated with outpatient care and medications. A study found that over 60% of participants used non-inpatient services recently, with...
The current situation of health equity in underserved areas of Afghanistan
Providing universal health coverage (UHC) in Afghanistan faces challenges due to the country's geographic topography and gender dynamics. A significant number of primary healthcare facilities are unevenly distributed, leaving nearly 25% of the population underserved,...
5th Edition of the WHO Global School on Refugee and Migrant Health
The WHO Global School on Refugee and Migrant Health convened experts to advance Universal Health Coverage for displaced populations. Discussions focused on inclusive policies, health financing, and integrating migrants into national health systems.The 5th edition of...
Stepping stones towards social protection and climate resilience in the Maldives
The report examines the connection between social protection and climate change policies in the Maldives, emphasizing that these two areas are often not integrated despite their potential benefits. It highlights the growing risks faced by vulnerable populations in...
Cultivating resilience: How Malawi can transform social protection and end poverty
Malawi must strengthen its social protection system to combat climate change, economic instability, and poverty. By establishing government farms, enhancing NGO collaboration, and ensuring effective policy implementation, the country can work towards achieving its...
Achieving social justice through inclusive social health protection
The ILO and Mahidol University are hosting a special event on 6 February 2025 to mark the World Day of Social Justice. The event will highlight the importance of universal social health protection in advancing social justice.To commemorate the World Day of Social...
Optimizing health financing: digital solutions against health care inefficiencies, waste, abuse, and fraud
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) presents Optimizing Health Financing: Digital Solutions Against Health Care Inefficiencies, Waste, Abuse, and Fraud, a comprehensive report addressing the critical challenges of fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA) in health financing...
Fostering inclusion: Advancing social health protection for persons with disabilities in Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Viet Nam
Advancing disability-inclusive social protection is essential for achieving universal access to social health protection, which fosters social inclusion and economic participation for persons with disabilities. A holistic approach is needed to ensure that social...
The economic value of reducing mortality due to noncommunicable diseases and injuries
Published in Nature Medicine, The Economic Value of Reducing Mortality Due to Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries by Stéphane Verguet, Sarah Bolongaita, Angela Y. Chang, Diego S. Cardoso, and Gretchen A. Stevens examines the financial impact of preventing deaths...
Effective execution of the health budget in Cochabamba is desired
The public treasury budget for the health sector in Cochabamba has been determined. In previous years, part of the budget for the single health system was not executed. For this reason, the authorities suggest that, in 2025, this challenge should be overcome with...
The 2024 small island developing states report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change
Published in The Lancet Global Health, The 2024 Small Island Developing States Report of the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change by Georgiana M. Gordon-Strachan, Stephanie Y. Parker, Heather C. Harewood, Pablo A. Méndez-Lázaro, Salanieta T. Saketa, Kimalie...