How India’s tobacco taxes fund addiction and ignore prevention
India's tobacco governance reveals a stark contradiction, as the government collects over Rs 75,000 crore in tobacco taxes yet allocates less than Rs 50 crore annually to tobacco control programs, resulting in a chronic underfunding of health initiatives. This...
Tajikistan’s WHO Winter School: A proven model for advancing universal health coverage
The WHO Winter School in Tajikistan, held between 6-8 February, is a leading model for advancing universal health coverage through cross-sectoral collaboration, capacity building, and strategic health reforms. The WHO Winter School in Tajikistan, which recently...
HGPI highlights the role of data in advancing UHC and health financing
The HGPI report highlights the critical role of data in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health financing, emphasising the use of international databases for effective policy development and global comparison. The Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI)...
Health taxes could raise $2.1 trillion for low- and middle-income countries, IMF article argues
Higher taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks could raise $2.1 trillion for low- and middle-income countries while improving public health and reducing reliance on foreign aid, says the IMF.A new Finance & Development article by Masood Ahmed and Minouche...
Countries face sharp health financing cliffs amid dwindling aid, warns The Lancet article
Global health aid is declining, with over 3 billion people in debt-burdened countries. Nations like Nigeria and Thailand are adapting, but coordinated, sustainable solutions are urgently needed. The global health community is facing a critical juncture, as highlighted...
Guyana implements vouchers to extend financial access to UHC
Guyana institutes universal health care vouchers to cover a range of diagnostic tests not covered under the public free care program.Guyana operates a universal healthcare system where citizens and residents have access to public health facilities at no cost. However,...
Angola pledges USD 5 million to Africa CDC, advancing African-led health financing strategy
Angola commits USD 5M to Africa CDC, reinforcing African-led health financing, local manufacturing, and cholera response efforts, under President Lourenço’s leadership. In a move to support Africa’s public health independence, Angola has committed USD 5 million to the...
Webinar on health financing reforms in LAC, using examples of Peru and Colombia
The webinar announced in the March Governance Newsletter took place on 11 April 2025. This event, which focused on the challenges of financing universal health coverage in Colombia and Peru, was the result of a collaboration between two of the P4H Network’s academic...
Development of the Germany country page on p4h.world
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the P4H Coordination Desk (P4H-CD) are pleased to announce progress towards launching a country page for Germany on p4h.world. The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute conducted an assessment...
Bulgaria’s free heart disease drug scheme significantly reduces hospitalisations
Bulgaria has significantly reduced hospitalisations by providing fully reimbursed medicines for cardiovascular diseases, according to new data from the National Health Insurance Fund.In April 2024, Bulgaria took significant steps to address the high burden of...
New Zealanders prioritise health, but costs hold many back
New Zealand is experiencing a rise in health screening engagement, with 72% of adults prioritizing check-ups, although affordability remains a significant barrier for 36% of the population. Medical inflation has surged to 14.5%, impacting access to preventative care,...
Egypt on right track to build universal health insurance system to its people
The French Development Agency (AFD) has applauded Egypt's progress in its universal health insurance system, which now serves nearly 5 million beneficiaries across six governorates, highlighting significant improvements in care quality and healthcare governance. Since...
Health Board contributes to the reform of the CSS organic law
In October 2024 in Panama, the health roundtable presented its summary of proposals for the reform of the organic law of the Social Security Fund. This same law was sanctioned on March 18, 2025. In Panama, a consultation process has been carried out to inform the...
Austrian Medical Chamber Unveils Ten-Point Plan for ÖGK Reform
The Austrian Medical Chamber has proposed a ten-point reform plan to address the ÖGK’s significant financial challenges, emphasizing the need to improve healthcare services rather than cutting them, as projected deficits exceed one billion euros. The Austrian Medical...
Pakistan proposes 20% health tax on ultra-processed foods, beverages in FY2025-26 budget
Pakistan's Ministry of Health has proposed a 20% health tax on processed and ultra-processed food and beverages as part of a public health strategy to reduce unhealthy consumption and generate revenue for healthcare spending. Pakistan’s Ministry of Health has proposed...