The study analyzes Vietnam’s progress on financial risk protection (FRP) as part of Universal Health Coverage using data from six national surveys covering 2010–2020. It evaluates multiple FRP indicators, including catastrophic, impoverishing, and financial hardship...

Global leaders launch coalition to boost health investment and economic growth
The World Bank, Japan & WHO launched the Health Works Leaders Coalition to boost health investments, job creation & resilience, aiming to reach 1.5B people with affordable care by 2030.The World Bank Group, Government of Japan, and World Health Organisation...
Economic Drivers of Public Health Expenditure in Kenya
The study examined how macroeconomic factors such as GDP per capita, corruption, unemployment, fiscal deficit, and tax revenue influence public health expenditure in Kenya from 1990 to 2023. Using the ARDL model, results showed that corruption, GDP per capita, tax...

VietNam and World Bank strengthen cooperation to expand social security coverage
VSS and the World Bank discussed expanding social security coverage, especially for informal workers. The Bank proposed raising voluntary insurance subsidies to 50 percent and introducing Monotax and flexible insurance models. Both sides agreed to enhance digital...
Piecing the Puzzle: Addressing the Multi-Payer and Fragmented Health Financing System in the Philippines
Over the past decade, government health spending in the Philippines has grown rapidly, supported by expanded fiscal space, stronger health policies, and rising national income. Despite this progress, the health financing system remains fragmented, with overlapping...

Budget 2026: Breaking the Cycle—Malaysia’s Path to Resilient and Inclusive Public Healthcare Reform
Malaysia’s public healthcare is plagued by understaffing, low morale, overcrowding, and stagnant reform. Budget 2026 plans to absorb contract doctors, boost spending, strengthen public-private partnerships, roll out tech-driven workforce mapping, and build inclusive...
Unlocking value: a comprehensive costing study of primary health care service delivery in Tanzania
Tanzania’s government significantly increased primary health care (PHC) spending between 2021/22 and 2022/23, raising per capita expenditure and spending per outpatient visit. Despite this progress, current PHC spending remains well below global standards and the...

More Investment Is Needed In New Zealand Health System
New Zealand’s tax-based health financing has remained stable but historically underfunded, with spending below OECD peers. OECD data is unreliable due to lack of updates and GST distortions. Adjusted 2023 figures show ~10.2–10.4% of GDP, close to averages; shifting to...

Panama’s National Assembly discusses 2026 health budget
Summary: The Budget Commission of the National Assembly of Panama met on September 16, 2025 to discuss the draft health budget for the year 2026.El 16 de septiembre 2025, la Comisión del Presupuesto de la Asamblea Nacional de Panamá se reunió para discutir el...
Saving lives, spending less: the global investment case for noncommunicable diseases
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses are the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming millions of lives each year and placing immense strain on health systems. The World Health...

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,...

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...

Nigeria restates commitment to sustainable health financing, universal coverage
Nigeria boosted health spending from ₦434B (2018) to ₦2.4T (2024), now 5.18% of federal budget. New insurance reforms aim to enroll 4M citizens by 2030, reducing household health costs from 70%. Government targets universal coverage through innovative financing and...
Addressing public health and health system challenges in Greece: reform priorities in a changing landscape
Greece’s health system has faced mounting strain from ageing populations, chronic diseases, financial pressures, and shocks like COVID-19 and climate change, which have exposed deep structural weaknesses. Although multiple reforms have aimed to improve funding,...

Germany Debates Who Should Cover the Costs of Unhealthy Eating
Obesity is straining Germany’s health system, costing up to €90B yearly. With half of adults overweight, politics remain divided: conservatives trust markets, while Greens push sugar taxes and VAT reform. Experts say real change needs political courage, not just...
