In France, theealth Insurance spending has risen by almost 20% between 2018 and 2022 (excluding Covid-19). Patients' out-of-pocket expenses have fallen from 9% in 2011 to 7% in 2021: this is the lowest level in the OECD, after Luxembourg. The government has decided to...
WHO and the World Bank are collaborating to organise the second International dialogue on sustainable financing for NCDs and mental health on 20–21 June 2024. To prepare for this, they are taking feedback through a consultation period from 1 May to 26 May 2024.To...
This commentary explores Thailand's utilization of health taxes, specifically a 2% surcharge added to the excise tax on tobacco and alcohol. Thailand channels these health taxes into the Thai Health Promotion Fund to support health promotion initiatives. The document...
While rare (orphan) diseases are a significant financial burden for health systems and access to these expensive treatments is limited, Russia has established a foundation, “Circle of Kindness”, funded by 2% of the individual income tax generated by the high-income...
The National Department of Health confirms impending tax hikes to fund the NHI scheme in South Africa, pending President Cyril Ramaphosa's approval. NHI's successful implementation hinges on securing adequate funding, which remains a challenge. The National...
Sugar-laden drinks are linked to obesity and other chronic illnesses. Many countries have implemented sugar taxes on soft drinks, but the WHO says the levels are too low to make a significant difference.The Guardian article titled The cost of dealing with disease is...
The global assessment finds sugar-sweetened beverage taxes are widespread but generally too low to significantly reduce consumption and improve public health. This report provides a global assessment of taxes applied to sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). It describes...
A new WHO manual offers guidance on using alcohol taxes to reduce consumption and improve public health.The WHO technical manual on alcohol tax policy and administration is a practical guide and a call to action for policymakers and others involved in alcohol tax...
