Over 80 health experts and partners have initiated the development of a roadmap to enhance Africa's health financing ecosystem, aiming for better efficiency and equity by 2030. Convened by WHO’s Regional Office for Africa, Africa CDC, and the African Constituency...
South Africa implements vaping tax to address youth vaping epidemic and illicit tobacco trade
South Africa has taken bold steps to tackle the rising prevalence of youth vaping and the surge in illicit tobacco trade by implementing an excise tax on vaping products. The new policy, which was enacted on June 1, 2023, imposes a flat excise duty rate of 2.90 rand...
National Health Insurance Scheme customer satisfaction survey report
A study commissioned by NHIMA revealed that despite significant growth in membership and services, NHIMA faces challenges related to service delivery, availability of medical commodities, and information dissemination. Key findings: Membership and accessibility: The...
Actuarial analysis of NHIS and costing of the extension to cash transfer beneficiaries
The analysis shows that NHIS coverage and expenditures will rise significantly from 2023 to 2032, necessitating strategic adjustments to contribution rates and data management. To maintain balance, a 4% formal sector contribution is advised. Expanding coverage to...
Actuarial analysis of NHIS and costing of the extension to cash transfer beneficiaries
The analysis shows that NHIS coverage and expenditures will rise significantly from 2023 to 2032, necessitating strategic adjustments to contribution rates and data management. To maintain balance, a 4% formal sector contribution is advised. Expanding coverage to...
National Health Insurance Authority Strategic Plan (2023-2026)
The National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) strategic plan (2023-2026) marks a significant commitment by the Zambian government towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This plan aims to provide financial risk protection and ensure access to...
Ethiopia’s PBF in healthcare: An assessment of efficiency and productivity
The Ethiopian government's recent healthcare financing reform, which piloted performance-based financing (PBF) in health facilities, aimed to improve efficiency. However, new research reveals that PBF has not achieved the expected productivity gains. Key Findings:...
Tanzania allocates earmarked taxes to fund health insurance for vulnerable groups
Tanzania's newly released budget allocates special earmarked taxes to fund health insurance for vulnerable groups, including those who cannot afford to pay, pregnant women, and children under five, as part of the implementation of the Universal Health Insurance Act...
Blog: Transitioning from voluntary to mandatory health insurance in Nigeria
Effective and efficiently utilized health insurance coverage is critical, particularly during times of economic downturn. Health insurance not only promotes health but also offers financial security against overwhelming healthcare costs and reduces the risk of medical...
National Health Act 2014
The 2014 National Health Act provides a comprehensive framework for the regulation, development, and management of Nigeria's health system. This significant piece of legislation sets new standards for delivering health services across the country, aiming to enhance...
South Africa’s National Health Insurance Act
The President of South Africa signed the National Health Insurance Act, as a landmark step towards achieving universal access to quality healthcare services in the Republic. This pivotal legislation is aligned with section 27 of the Constitution, which guarantees the...
Severe budget cuts in Kenya threaten health crisis and UHC goals
News by Gilbert Nakweya published in the BMJ Journal on the 23rd of May reports that Kenya is on the brink of a severe health crisis, with the government planning to slash the health budget by two-thirds in the next financial year.Nakweya highlighted the following...
Nigeria National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022
In 2022, Nigeria enacted the 2022 National Health Insurance Act, marking a pivotal step towards comprehensive healthcare reform. The new legislation ensures that every Nigerian can access affordable and quality health services. Key highlights of the Act include:...
Health investments key to Kenya’s economic growth, new study reveals
The study emphasizes the macroeconomic importance of health, advocating for increased investment in healthcare as a crucial strategy for economic growth. Healthier populations contribute to a stronger economy and greater productivity, making healthcare investment a...
Leveraging Nigeria’s sugar tax to finance surgical care: a political economy analysis
A recent peer-reviewed study reveals the potential of a sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax to significantly enhance healthcare financing in Nigeria. The study utilized a mixed-methods political economy analysis, including a robust modeling exercise to predict the...