Strengthening primary health care (PHC) is crucial for universal health coverage in South-East Asia, but sustainable public financing remains a challenge in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Maldives, and Nepal. This study, based on extensive document review and interviews,...
The EU is weighing major tobacco tax hikes and new levies for its 2028–2034 budget, but Sweden and others oppose high taxes on nicotine pouches, citing harm reduction. Critics warn pouches may lead to youth addiction and note limited research.A recent proposal from...
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo has called on provincial leaders to devote at least 15% of their annual budgets to the health sector. Health is a collective responsibility and a crucial objective for the future of the nation, a right for all, not a...
South Africa’s Treasury has allocated R753.5 m (42.7M USD) to plug gaps in HIV/AIDS programmes following Pepfar funding cuts, while new research investments and health infrastructure projects are underway.South Africa’s National Treasury has committed R753.5 million...
The Institute of Leadership and Development (INSLA) has commended Ghana’s government for approving the National Medical Trust Fund Bill, which aims to provide sustainable financing for the treatment, management, and prevention of noncommunicable diseases while...
The private sector at DRC is involved in discussions on an innovative financing mechanism, a specific tax earmarked for health promotion. The revenue from this tax on harmful products is intended to feed the Health Promotion Fund on a permanent basis. On June 11,...
Tanzania’s Universal Health Insurance Act, 2023, aims to provide mandatory health coverage for all citizens, addressing low insurance rates and high out-of-pocket costs. Success hinges on trust, political will, and inclusive financing to ensure equitable, accessible...
The publication Innovative Financing for Noncommunicable Diseases in Asia and the Pacific, released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in June 2025, examines new strategies to tackle the growing burden of NCDs in the region. Despite noncommunicable diseases...
Botswana has launched a comprehensive health financing study to track healthcare and HIV and AIDS funding and improve resource allocation and policy planning amid declining international donor support. The findings are expected to guide sustainable financing...
Since 2000, Rwanda has made remarkable progress toward universal health coverage (UHC) through a Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) system, but now faces chronic financial sustainability challenges as it aims for higher health-care standards under Vision 2050. A...
The study analyzed the determinants of the Healthcare Quality Index (HQI) in Saudi Arabia from 1990 to 2024 to assess both short-term dynamics and long-term relationships among key economic and healthcare variables. Findings reveal that, in the short term, GDP and...
Since 2010, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised over $18 billion through specialized theme bonds to address critical challenges in water, education, and healthcare across the Asia-Pacific region, significantly improving access to clean water, educational...
The March 2025 earthquakes in Myanmar devastated health services, overwhelming facilities and leaving thousands in urgent need of care. With rapid, flexible support from the WHO’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies, critical health supplies, disease prevention measures,...
Significant national and international funds offer Ukraine a chance to transform its health system by consolidating hospitals and expanding primary care. The Ministry of Health must urgently establish a strategic capital investment framework, align prioritization...
As noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) place increasing strain on health systems in low- and middle-income countries, the need for sustainable financing solutions is more urgent than ever. With development assistance stagnating and domestic budgets stretched thin,...
