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...
Senator Bong Go criticized PhilHealth’s handling of funds, citing its ₱60-billion treasury transfer in 2024 and rejection of a ₱70-billion subsidy in 2025 as setbacks to Universal Health Care implementation. He blamed delayed benefit rollouts for unused funds and...
Austria’s coalition government will launch a €500 million-a-year Health Reform Fund to expand primary care, strengthen prevention, and boost digital health services. Welcomed by health agencies, the plan faces Green criticism for lacking structural reform and creating...
Nigeria and Cross River State reaffirm commitment to UHC progress at the 66th National Council for Health. Key reforms include expanded health insurance, primary healthcare upgrades, and increased federal funding. WHO and development partners support coordinated...
Bulgaria’s parliament advanced the 2026 State, Social Insurance, and Health Insurance budgets, projecting 2.7% growth and a 3% deficit. The plans raise wages, pensions, and social contributions, but divide opinion—unions welcome income growth, while employers warn of...
ADB is launching the UHC PEERS network, investing $495,000 to help 43 countries—including Azerbaijan—share expertise, boost digital health tools, and improve UHC progress. The initiative addresses stalled UHC gains, urgent post-COVID gaps, and encourages private...
Vietnam plans to offer free annual health checks for all citizens from 2026 to boost preventive care. The proposal, tied to Resolution 72, includes expanded insurance coverage, staff incentives, and flexible funding using state and employer contributions. Lawmakers...
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...
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...
China could achieve major health, economic, and fiscal benefits by increasing taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Modelling from 2026–2050 shows that 20% price hikes could prevent about 1.35 million deaths and generate over ¥6.8 trillion...
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...
The 4th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2025) emphasized health sovereignty as essential for Africa’s economic and security future amid rising health emergencies and shrinking external funding. Under the theme “Moving Toward Self-Reliance,”...
In 2025, CSR plays a crucial role in accelerating Universal Health Coverage by bridging public system gaps through financing, digital health, and specialist care partnerships. Aligning CSR with national priorities, measurable outcomes, and sustainable handover ensures...
Nepal faces a critical rise in non-communicable diseases, now causing over 70% of deaths. Health funding remains below 5% of the national budget, far from the WHO-recommended 10%. Inadequate, infrastructure-focused spending hampers quality care, prevention, and...
