Nigeria will host a National Health Financing Dialogue in September to tackle low health investment, with households paying 76% of costs. The forum will push NHIA Act implementation, insurance expansion, and innovative financing, aiming to cut out-of-pocket spending...
At TICAD in Japan, UHC took center stage as Africa’s young, fast-growing population underscores the need for stronger health systems. Despite funding gaps and persistent risks, the World Bank and partners aim to expand access, boost resilience, and create jobs, with...
Marking 25 years, Bhutan’s Health Trust Fund reaffirmed its role in financing free healthcare, having ensured Nu. 3.7B for drugs and vaccines. Despite sustainability challenges, it targets innovation, digital tools, and wider investments to secure resilience and...
The Accra Initiative, launched at the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit on 5 August, sets a new framework for global health, prioritising resilience, equity, and sustainable financing while advancing Africa’s leadership in health governance. African leaders and...
In this article from 2023, Salem Al Mustanyir explores the effect of a fall in oil prices on healthcare financing in eight Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The analysis shows that in three of the eight countries, health financing did shift...
Vietnam has expanded health insurance to 94% of its population, with free care targeted by 2035. But out-of-pocket costs remain high at 40%. WHO’s Dr. Pratt stresses stronger financing, efficiency reforms, primary care, and innovation to achieve universal health...
Estonia’s Health Insurance Fund faces a deficit, rising healthcare costs, and criticism after lavish spending exposed governance gaps. Experts and officials urge reforms to improve efficiency, avoid worsening inequalities, and ensure sustainable financing without...
Uganda’s health sector faces funding gaps after donor cuts, forcing higher out-of-pocket costs and disrupting HIV, TB, and maternal health services. Stakeholders urge domestic financing, innovative taxes, and a national insurance scheme to protect vulnerable groups...
Moldova’s health insurance revenues rose 11.6% in the first seven months of 2025, driven by salary-based contributions reaching 5.4 bn lei. Spending also increased, with higher transfers for services and surgeries. The 2025 budget is projected to grow 13%, exceeding...
At the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit, leaders led by Ghana’s President Mahama and ex-Nigerian president Obasanjo called for African-funded health systems, rejecting aid dependency. WHO’s Tedros urged health taxes, efficiency, and sovereignty to counter massive aid...
This study explored how public financial management (PFM) processes influenced the implementation of Kenya’s 2019 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) pilot in four counties through qualitative interviews and focus group discussions. Findings revealed that while a hybrid...
Belgium’s summer agreement reforms healthcare by limiting excessive doctor surcharges, ensuring fair billing and equal reimbursements, curbing pharmaceutical overspending, and promoting sustainable care while preserving provider autonomy. This marks a historic step...
Health taxes on products like tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks are a highly effective yet underused tool in Africa for reducing disease and premature death, while simultaneously generating domestic revenue. These taxes can help governments save lives, lessen...
The EU plans a 15% levy on member states’ tobacco tax revenues, channeling €11.2B a year into its budget. Dramatic new tax hikes aim to curb smoking and expand funds, with measures factoring in declining tobacco use and anticipated cuts to healthcare costs.The...
Ethiopia’s excise tax reforms on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks showcase political and multisectoral leadership, generating revenue and reducing NCDs while advancing Universal Health Coverage and health system resilience.Ethiopia is emerging as a leader in health...
