IMF staff prepared this background paper based on information available up to July 2025. It includes sections on Trends in Health Spending and Outcomes since 2005, Benchmarking of Health Spending, Financing and Outcomes and Health Budget Composition and PHC Spending...
APEC economies are strengthening cross-sector collaboration to close women’s health financing gaps, shaping a new regional framework to expand access to essential services through innovative financing.APEC economies are intensifying efforts to address persistent...
With shrinking aid, African nations are adopting taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks to fund health systems and fight non-communicable diseases. Experts at a regional forum highlighted the promise and pitfalls of health taxes, urging transparent,...
Rising NCDs in China driven by tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks underscore the need for stronger health taxes. New modelling shows a 20% price hike could yield major health and economic benefits. Evidence supports phased, product-specific tax reforms, complemented...
The G20’s reference to the Lusaka Agenda signals growing global momentum for integrated, country-led health systems, but sustained action and investment are urgently needed, say Stine Håheim & Usman Mushtaq in Health Policy Watch.Health Policy Watch reports that...
This study analyzed trends in China’s health resource efficiency using national data and the Proportion Weight Method (PWM) to evaluate multi-input and multi-output conditions. From 2008 to 2021, the efficiency of health institutions improved from 0.77 to 0.91, while...
Many countries waste health resources by not systematically updating their essential medicines lists. Evidence-based reviews—like Uganda’s, which found savings from smarter diabetes drug choices—can improve access, equity, and health outcomes while freeing funds for...
The study examines how Global Health Initiatives (GHIs) align with Pakistan’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) amid reduced global aid and evolving national priorities. Using a political economy approach, it finds that expanding GHI mandates operate largely...
Armenia’s tougher tobacco control laws and upcoming universal health insurance reform are designed to work together to reduce disease and protect families from catastrophic medical costs. Armenia’s First Deputy Health Minister, Lena Nanushyan, said the country’s new...
The Hungarian conference on healthcare financing examined reforms in pharmaceutical policy, resource allocation, and digital transformation. Experts highlighted economic constraints, workforce shortages, and poor health outcomes. Key discussions included AI...
This article examines a case of rapid national health reform in a low-resource setting, highlighting how effective problem recognition, technical policy preparation, and political alignment enabled comprehensive expansion of health coverage. Key success factors...
The National Assembly of Laos held a workshop on financing primary health care and immunization with the Ministry of Health and partners. Participants addressed funding gaps, urged stronger coordination and budget reforms, and supported domestic financing of at least...
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi urge G20 nations to ensure equitable, affordable access to new TB vaccines, marking a key step toward ending the epidemic by 2030. At the G20 Health Ministers’ meeting in Limpopo, South Africa, on November 6,...
This study examines how China's long-term care insurance (LTCI) affects hospital expenditures among disabled individuals ineligible for benefits, addressing a gap in existing research. Using a difference-in-difference approach with data from pilot cities and the China...
This paper develops a conceptual framework to integrate healthcare financing and delivery in India’s fragmented private sector so that competition promotes value rather than service volume. Drawing on international models from Israel, the U.S., Spain, Brazil, and the...
