South Africa’s Treasury steps in after Pepfar cuts, boosts HIV funding and health infrastructure
South Africa’s Treasury has allocated R753.5 m (42.7M USD) to plug gaps in HIV/AIDS programmes following Pepfar funding cuts, while new research investments and health infrastructure projects are underway.South Africa’s National Treasury has committed R753.5 million...
Health taxes to combat NCDs in India
India must raise taxes on tobacco and sugary drinks to curb health risks and recover economic costs, argue Nagarajan and John in a new World Bank blog, urging a Health Cess and stronger excise policies. In a World Bank blog post, Mohan Nagarajan and Rijo M. John...
Morocco Overhauls Health Insurance System with New Unified Structure
Morocco has passed major reforms to unify its basic health insurance system under the National Social Security Fund (CNSS), aiming to improve efficiency, transparency, and access to healthcare as part of King Mohammed VI’s broader vision for universal social...
Vietnam seeks WHO assistance in disease response, universal health care
The WHO Director-General praised Vietnam’s strong health policies and affirmed continued support in strengthening grassroots healthcare and public health systems. Prime Minister Chinh highlighted Vietnam’s shift toward prevention-focused healthcare and called for...
Indonesia makes impressive progress towards Universal Health Coverage within 10 Years
Indonesia makes impressive progress towards universal health coverage in just 10 years, covering over 98 percent of its population through the Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN) Program, thanks to strong government commitment and collaboration among stakeholders. Badan...
Proposed inclusion of new benefits in Uruguay
Uruguay's Minister of Public Health is proposing the inclusion of new benefits in the National Resources Fund basket. These include medical equipment and medicines for heart disease and cancer treatments. In June 2025, the Minister of Public Health, Cristina...
Stronger health financing is key to equitable and resilient healthcare systems
Strengthening public health financing is essential to reduce inequalities and build effective, equity-driven primary health care systems, says Dr. Eddy Pérez-Then in a new analysis.Adequate financing is a critical factor in determining the effectiveness and equity of...
WHO, Alnowair ink MoU to advance mental health, universal health coverage in Kuwait
The WHO Country Office in Kuwait and Alnowair have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on promoting mental health, advancing universal health coverage, and enhancing community engagement, especially among youth. This partnership aims to empower...
Nigeria plans public health tax on sugar, cigarettes, and alcohol to combat NCDs
Nigeria proposes a public health tax on sugar, alcohol, and tobacco to fund non-communicable disease (NCD) programmes, alongside the WHO-backed PEN-Plus strategy for severe NCD care.The Nigerian government is considering a new public health tax on products high in...
ADB Launches Regional Network to Accelerate Universal Health Coverage in Asia and the Pacific
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched the UHC PEERS network to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and accelerate universal health coverage across Asia and the Pacific, enabling countries to share solutions for expanding health access and strengthening health...
Transforming South Africa’s healthcare: the National Health Insurance Act’s promise of equity for all
South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI) Act aims to create a unified, fair, and affordable healthcare system that provides equal access to quality care for all citizens, regardless of income or location. This transformative reform addresses current inequalities...
INSLA applauds Ghana Cabinet for approving Mahama Care Fund Bill
The Institute of Leadership and Development (INSLA) has commended Ghana’s government for approving the National Medical Trust Fund Bill, which aims to provide sustainable financing for the treatment, management, and prevention of noncommunicable diseases while...
Thai UHC journey workshop in November 2025
The Thai UHC Journey Workshop 2025, themed ‘Sustainable UHC for Better Health: The SAFE Path—Sustainability, Adequacy, Fairness, and Efficiency,’ will take place in Bangkok from November 24–28, 2025. Applications are open until September 19.The Thai UHC Journey...
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...