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, combating corruption, and inclusive financing to ensure...
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...
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,...
Financing Sustainable Development: How ADB’s Theme Bonds are Transforming the Region
Since 2010, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised over $18 billion through specialized theme bonds to address critical challenges in water, education, and healthcare across the Asia-Pacific region, significantly improving access to clean water, educational...
How Sri Lanka’s immunisation system is weathering an economic crisis
M. P. Nirmala, a 26-year-old woman who is a few weeks pregnant with her first child, embodies the confidence many Sri Lankan mothers feel about the country’s healthcare system. At the Divisional Hospital Thalangama, located about 9 kilometers from Colombo, Nirmala...
A new vision for universal health coverage in an age of global displacement
A Lancet Public Health article calls for a cosmopolitan approach to UHC that ensures migrants and refugees have equitable access to health care through global solidarity and inclusive financing.As global migration and displacement reshape societies, a new Lancet...