Cabinet set to review National Health Insurance Bill as Zimbabwe targets universal health coverage
Zimbabwe has finalised its National Health Insurance Bill, set for Cabinet approval and rollout by 2026. Funded through earmarked taxes, it guarantees full primary care coverage and scales up at higher levels, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket costs and ensure equitable,...
National Health Development Plan 2026-2030 validated in Benin
Benin's council of ministers on September 3, 2025 validated the national health development plan 2026-2030. It is planned to spend 1,000 billion FCFA on health during this period. In early September 2025, the Council of Ministers validated Benin's National Health...
Financing for NCDs in Trinidad and Tobago could be improved
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are placing an increasing burden on the health system in Trinidad and Tobago. While public budgets for combating NCDs have been on the rise, some argue that there could be changes in health financing to improve outcomes.This 2024...
Lecture calls for universally dignified and equal healthcare access for Africa
UCT’s Global Health Lecture featured Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, UN special rapporteur, who urged that universal health access in Africa must prioritize dignity, equity, and solidarity beyond clinics and budgets. She called on clinicians as rights defenders and on systems to...
GIZ, Amref & ADB launch AI learning for health insurance reform
GIZ, Amref, and ADB are creating an e-learning course on Amref’s Jibu platform to help policymakers in Africa and Asia integrate AI into health insurance for claims and fraud control. Building on Learning Exchanges, it equips professionals to apply AI responsibly,...
Why are health insurance premiums rising faster than inflation in New Zealand?
Southern Cross CEO says 70% of New Zealand’s health insurance premium rises over 20 years stem from increased service use, not cost hikes. The society returns 93% of premiums to care, uses age-based pricing, offers excesses to reduce costs, and holds 70% market share....
Key takeaways on Canadian families paying over $19,000 on average for health care
A Fraser Institute study reveals Canadian families pay up to $19,060 yearly for public health care, costs rising faster than income. Despite high spending, Canada ranks poorly in access and outcomes. Reforms like modest user fees and private sector roles could improve...
Addressing Issues in Canada’s Healthcare System
Canada’s universal healthcare is challenged by overcrowded hospitals, long waits, and preventable deaths. Business leader Op-ed argues Canada’s health system is failing, citing long waits, ER overcrowding, and calling for reforms to allow private options alongside...
Uzbekistan delegation completed study tour to Lithuania to advance health financing reforms
Uzbekistan’s health delegation visited Lithuania (Aug 18–22, 2025) to learn from its universal insurance model. The study tour shared lessons on governance, payments, and digital tools to guide upcoming reforms. Vilnius, Lithuania – 18–22 August 2025: A high-level...
Health insurance in Djibouti will cover over 40% of the population by the end of 2024
In his end-of-year speech, Djibouti's Minister of Labor announced that over 40% of the country's population would be covered by health insurance.During his year-end 2024 speech, Djibouti's Minister of Labor said that after 10 years of implementing health insurance in...
The financing of HRH in the health sector benefits from strategic documents in CAR
In May 2025, reform of the Central African Republic's healthcare system gathered pace. At a workshop attended by 100 people, several documents were drawn up to provide a framework for investment in human resources for health (HRH). As part of the drive to strengthen...
Value-based care seen as key to transforming Asia’s health systems
A new Actuary article highlights how value-based care could reshape healthcare in Asia, improving outcomes, lowering costs, and addressing challenges from ageing populations to rural gaps. Healthcare systems across Asia are under increasing strain from demographic...
Health taxes can save lives and strengthen Africa’s health systems
A new Think Global Health analysis argues that health taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks could save lives, generate revenue, and strengthen Africa’s health systems.African governments face mounting health and fiscal pressures, and a new Think Global Health...
Bulgarian Doctors Raise Concerns Over Government’s Use of EU Recovery Plan Health Funds
Bulgaria’s doctors’ union warns a rural health project funded by EU money will fail, as practices are staffed by nurses unable to use planned equipment. Nearly 800,000 lack GP access, while low pay drives staff shortages. Protests loom as doctors and nurses demand...
ADB Approves $106.9 Million to Strengthen Secondary Health Care Services in Sri Lanka
ADB approved $106.9M to boost Sri Lanka’s secondary care, disease control, and governance. A $100M loan and $6.9M grant will fund hospital upgrades, integrated referral systems, a disease control center, lab accreditation, digital procurement, and pharma logistics,...