Latest news with #healthfinancing
Zawya
4 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Southern Africa Leaders Unite to Advance Bold Health Agenda for Resilience and Equity
Ministers of Health and senior representatives from ten African Union (AU) Member States in Southern Africa issued a renewed call for collective action on health financing, climate resilience, and outbreak preparedness as they gathered in Lilongwe from 24–25 July 2025 for the 4th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (ReSCO) Meeting. The Government of Malawi hosted the meeting, which was officially opened by Hon. Khumbize Chiponda, Malawi's Minister of Health, representing the Right Honourable Vice President, Dr. Michael Biswick Usi. The meeting was convened under the theme 'One Region, One Health, One Future,' reaffirming the region's collective commitment to protecting the health of its people. ReSCO has become a vital platform for countries to align regional priorities and advance the continental health agenda, at a time when Southern Africa faces rising climate-related health threats, persistent disease outbreaks, and growing demands on frontline health systems. In his keynote address, Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), called for transformative investments to secure Africa's health future. 'Africa's health future must be shaped by African leaders, for African people,' said Dr Kaseya. 'To get there, we must ignite a revolution in health financing, one that invests in regional institutions, accelerates local manufacturing, and ensures sustainable systems that serve our communities.' Over the course of the two-day deliberations, ministers resoundingly affirmed the urgency of collective leadership and regional unity in advancing health security. Opening the meeting, Hon. Dr Esperance Luvindao, Minister of Health and Social Services of Namibia, issued a powerful call for solidarity, urging Member States to act with resolve in confronting shared public health challenges. Reinforcing this message, Hon. Dr Elijah Muchima, Minister of Health of Zambia and Chair of the Africa CDC Governing Board, reminded delegates that 'One Region, One Health, One Future' is not merely a thematic expression, it is a strategic imperative that must drive coordinated action across the continent. The Committee adopted several major outcomes that will shape the region's health trajectory. These included the appointment of Hon. Dr Douglas T. Mombeshora as Regional Champion for Climate and Health, acknowledging the urgent link between environmental factors and public health threats. Hon. Dr Luvindao was also named Regional Champion for the Lusaka Agenda on Health Financing, reinforcing the region's drive to increase domestic investment in health. Member States also approved the Southern Africa Region Annual Report and endorsed major recommendations from the 8th Ordinary and 9th Extraordinary Regional Technical Advisory Committee (ReTAC) meetings. These included practical guidance on the implementation of the Continental Immunisation Strategy (CIS) and improved community-based outbreak surveillance. The Committee further adopted Africa CDC's 'Green Book' vision, a continent-wide pact aimed at rethinking health financing, governance, and service delivery. A key highlight of the meeting was the Southern Africa ReSCO Award Ceremony, which honoured visionary leaders for their outstanding contributions to strengthening public health across the region. Dr Kaseya was recognised for his exceptional leadership at the continental level. Dr Kalumbi Shangula, former Minister of Health and Social Services of Namibia, and Hon. Sylvia T. Masebo, former Minister of Health of Zambia, were celebrated for their enduring public service and unwavering commitment to regional collaboration. Dr Lul P. Riek, Regional Director of the Southern Africa RCC, received special commendation for his instrumental role in operationalising the Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre and advancing regional public health coordination. These recognitions highlighted a central theme of the meeting: that real progress depends not just on frameworks and funding, but on the commitment, leadership, and unity of those entrusted with protecting the health of communities. As the meeting concluded, Member States reaffirmed their resolve to scale up implementation of the African Union's 2 Million Community Health Workers Initiative, advance the Lusaka Agenda on Health Financing, and strengthen regional public health systems. With renewed solidarity and political will, Southern African countries are poised to turn commitments into action. The outcomes of the 4th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting mark a decisive shift, from dialogue to delivery. Africa CDC calls on all stakeholders, governments, and partners to act with urgency: invest in frontline capacity, empower health workers, and build resilient systems that leave no community behind. Namibia was selected as the host of the 5th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting in 2026. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Sierra Leone moves closer to Universal Health Coverage with high-level engagement on draft Sierra Leone Agency for Universal Health Coverage (SLAUHC) Bill
Sierra Leone has taken a critical step toward advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the convening of a high-level policy dialogue on the draft Sierra Leone Agency for Universal Health Coverage (SLAUHC) Bill. Organized on 6 May 2025 by the Ministry of Health with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the one-day engagement brought together over 60 senior leaders in Freetown, including ministers, directors, and technical heads from across the health sector. The proposed SLAUHC Bill outlines the establishment of a dedicated agency that will integrate and manage two major national health financing mechanisms, the Free Healthcare Initiative (FHCI) and the Sierra Leone Social Health Insurance Scheme (SLeSHI). The unified governance structure aims to address current fragmentation, improve the efficiency of health financing, and accelerate the country's progress toward achieving UHC. 'This Bill is a transformative step in Sierra Leone's journey toward sustainable health financing,' said Dr. Ibrahim F. Kamara, speaking on behalf of the WHO Country Representative. 'It will strengthen institutional capacity, enhance accountability, and ensure equitable access to health services, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.' The engagement served three key objectives: a comprehensive review of the draft legislation, consensus-building among stakeholders, and alignment with the Ministry of Health's UHC Roadmap and SLeSHI implementation framework. The outcome is a consolidated and informed policy position ahead of the bill's submission to the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC). Chief Medical Officer Dr Sartie Kenneh emphasized the importance of a comprehensive and inclusive approach to UHC: 'the name and scope of the bill must reflect the broader dimensions required to achieve UHC. While health financing is a critical pillar, it is only one part of the equation. No healthcare service is truly free, while it may be free at the point of delivery, someone ultimately bears the cost. Therefore, we must collectively design a sustainable health financing model that ensures long-term viability. It is also prudent to allow the Free Healthcare Initiative and the Social Health Insurance Scheme to operate in tandem, to optimize coverage and ensure the full spectrum of healthcare costs is addressed.' The proposed SLAUHC Agency responds to longstanding structural challenges in the health financing landscape. Currently, out-of-pocket payments account for 56% of total health expenditure, well above the sub-Saharan Africa average of 30%. Less than 1% of Sierra Leone's population is covered by any social health protection scheme, exposing many to catastrophic health spending and pushing households further into poverty. Moreover, with 75% of health financing reliant on donor contributions, ensuring coherence with national priorities remains a pressing issue. The draft bill is grounded in the Ministry's Health Financing Strategy 2021–2025, which calls for the creation of a Universal Health Coverage Fund, integration with SLeSHI, and the development of operational and regulatory systems to support long-term health sector sustainability. WHO has reaffirmed its full technical support to the Ministry in the finalization and operationalization of the SLAUHC Bill. This includes support for institutional design, capacity strengthening, cost-containment mechanisms, and the establishment of care quality and priority-setting frameworks. Once enacted, the SLAUHC Agency will serve as a central institution for resource mobilization, regulation of financial flows, and oversight of major health benefit programs. It is expected to play a pivotal role in improving efficiency, transparency, and equity in health service delivery. This high-level dialogue marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone's health sector reform agenda. It paves the way for the establishment of a National Health Insurance Scheme and reinforces the country's commitment to achieving health for all, leaving no one behind. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Ethiopia Takes Bold Strides on Health Taxes to Drive Universal Health Coverage
In a landmark show of political will and multisectoral collaboration, the Ethiopian House of Peoples' Representatives (HPR), the Ministry of Health, and partners are spearheading one of Africa's most promising health financing reforms. By embracing health taxes as a strategic tool, Ethiopia has started strengthening its national health system, curbing the rise of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and advancing its journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This momentous collaboration was showcased during a high-level training workshop held from 13 to 14 June 2025 in Adama, Ethiopia. The forum was jointly organized by WHO Ethiopia and the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and with generous financial support from the Government of Norway. The two-day event brought together 63 MPs and parliamentary staff as well as 13 senior officials of the Ministry of Health, reaffirming the critical role of legislative bodies in shaping public health through economic policy. The workshop focused on consolidating the capacity of lawmakers to further understand and champion health taxes—specifically excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages. These taxes are globally recognized for their dual impact: they discourage the use of harmful products while generating sustainable revenue to fund essential health services. In her opening remarks, H.E. Lomi Bedo, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasized the transformative power of Ethiopia's 2020 excise tax law. 'By raising taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and other harmful products, Ethiopia has taken a critical step toward safeguarding public health and promoting healthier communities,' she stated. 'Increasing prices on unhealthy commodities remains one of the most effective strategies to reduce their consumption and associated health risks, including addiction and premature death.' Her remarks echoed the growing recognition of Parliament's proactive legislative stance—one that aligns with the nation's development vision and its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ethiopian State Minister of Health H.E. Dr. Dereje Duguma on his part warned that misleading narratives from the tobacco industry persist—particularly claims that more than 50% of the tobacco market has turned illicit post-legislation. He stressed the importance of evidence-based policymaking and pledged the Ministry's continued collaboration with Parliament, WHO, and all development partners to strengthen tax administration and uphold Ethiopia's progress toward UHC and NCD control. Delivering a keynote address, Dr. Owen Laws Kaluwa, WHO Representative to Ethiopia, praised Ethiopia's leadership in adopting bold and effective non-traditional mechanisms to raise additional funds for the country. 'Stronger health systems enable countries to allocate scarce resources to their most pressing priorities,' Dr. Kaluwa said. 'The 2020 excise tax legislation remains one of the most impactful policy tools for reducing the consumption of harmful products while boosting domestic revenue.' Dr. Kaluwa highlighted that WHO's support to Ethiopia is part of a multi-year project on health taxes implemented in collaboration with IPU and funded by the Norwegian Government. As a priority country in this initiative, Ethiopia is receiving targeted technical assistance for policy analysis, tax implementation, and improved access to NCD treatment and care. Throughout the workshop, MPs and parliamentary technical staff deliberated on the latest global and national evidence on the effectiveness of health taxes. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions using updated policy briefs, data, and technical tools designed to inform legislative decisions and sustain tax implementation in the long term. Key discussions focused on the importance of Parliament's role in maintaining robust tax systems, supporting annual adjustments, and shielding policy development from industry interference. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing fiscal policies that prioritize public health and social equity. Health taxes have gained wider recognition globally as part of a broader push to combat NCDs—conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses that account for more than 70% of global deaths and disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries. Ethiopia's approach—grounded in science, backed by policy, and supported by partners—demonstrates how strategic legislation can serve both public health and economic resilience. Looking ahead, WHO Ethiopia reaffirmed its dedication to working alongside Parliament, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and other stakeholders to reinforce Ethiopia's health financing landscape. This includes ensuring that health taxes are not only implemented but effective, efficient, and accountable public financial management systems are necessary for the additional revenues to reach and be accountable for expenditure objectives. 'Health taxes are not just a revenue tool—they are a health-saving, life-preserving measure,' Dr. Kaluwa concluded. 'Ethiopia's continued leadership in this space is not only commendable but also offers a blueprint for the region and beyond.' As the country continues its path toward UHC, Ethiopia's experience highlights the power of political commitment, intersectoral collaboration, and strategic investment in health. The success of its health tax policy and administration illustrates how even modest fiscal interventions can yield transformative outcomes—saving lives, strengthening systems, and building a healthier future for all. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Ethiopia.
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya on spot over missed tobacco taxation targets
Kenya is among the countries that have failed to maintain best-practice tobacco tax levels, missing a critical opportunity to reduce tobacco use, save lives and unlock new revenue for health financing. A report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that Kenya is among 20 countries that have either never reached or have since fallen below the threshold, where tobacco taxes account for at least 75 percent of the retail price of cigarettes; a benchmark regarded as the most effective tool for tobacco control. Kenya's tobacco tax share is between 70 percent and 74 percent of the retail price as of 2024, placing it within five percentage points of the WHO's recommended best-practice level of 75 percent. Best-practice tobacco taxation, as defined by the WHO, means that total taxes, including excise, value added tax, and other applicable levies, account for at least 75 percent of the retail price of the best-selling brand of cigarettes. Reaching this threshold represents a powerful alignment of financial and health policies and signals a government's commitment to deterring smoking, preventing disease, and reducing healthcare costs.'Of the 20 countries that have not maintained their previous achievement of a best-practice tax share, six are mentioned above as having a tax share between 70 percent and 74 percent in 2024... Kenya [is] among them...,' read the report. Other countries in this category are Australia, Colombia, Egypt, Germany, Jordan, Morocco, Sri Lanka, and South Sudan. Among the countries that have increased their efforts is Belarus, which raised its tobacco tax from 56.6 percent in 2022 to 76.9 percent in 2024, joining countries like Indonesia and Palau, which have achieved best-practice status. The WHO reports that, globally, 1.2 billion people now live in countries that have adopted best-practice tobacco taxes, including 128 million people in 24 of the world's largest cities. However, no Kenyan city has made it to that list. Internationally, countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Uzbekistan introduced reforms that elevated them to the top-performing category. Read: Cigarette companies lobby to stop higher taxes on tobacco"Taxing tobacco is one of the most cost-effective and impactful interventions governments can implement. It works, it saves lives, and it pays for itself. Every country has the power to protect its people from tobacco," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. Tobacco is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as cancer, heart disease, and chronic respiratory illnesses, which together account for more than a third of all deaths in Kenya. Despite having formally agreed to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and established the Tobacco Control Act, Kenya's taxation policy is not strong enough. The absence of a strong tax regime keeps cigarette prices relatively low, especially for young people and low-income populations, where price sensitivity is highest. According to the WHO, a 10 percent price increase on tobacco products can lead to a five percent reduction in consumption in low- and middle-income countries, with an even stronger effect on youth. In 2023, Kenya collected an estimated Ksh20 billion (about $155 million) in tobacco excise tax revenue, while the Ministry of Health reports that Kenya loses approximately Ksh15 billion ($166 million) annually in direct healthcare expenses and productivity losses from tobacco-related illnesses. © Copyright 2022 Nation Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Almost 95,000 Babies Could Be Born Without Skilled Birth Support as Aid Cuts Put Lives at Risk
New analysis released during this year's World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva Save the Children is urging member states to adopt this year's proposed WHA resolution on strengthening global health financing as well as the resolution on accelerating action on the global health and care workforce by 2030. About 95,000 mothers supported by Save the Children may have to give birth without a skilled health worker present in the next 12 months putting themselves and their babies at risk, unless life-saving aid programmes continue, said Save the Children. [1] [2] Global aid cuts have affected the aid agency's newborn and reproductive health services in several countries, with the worst impacted including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Yemen and Nigeria, said Save the Children. Every day in 2023 – the latest year for when data is available - over 700 women and 6,300 babies died from preventable causes related to pregnancy, childbirth and neonatal care, according to the UN.[3] However, care and intervention by a midwife, physician, obstetrician, nurse or other health care professional in the so-called 'golden minute' immediately after birth can significantly improve a mother and baby's chances of survival and long-term health, said Save the Children. Skilled health providers can help reduce complications to babies such as lifelong neurological problems, developmental delays and seizures, while mothers are less likely to suffer from severe postpartum bleeding, infections and fistulas. Recent UN modelling showed that universal access to midwifery care could avert more than 60% of all maternal and newborn deaths and stillbirths – amounting to 4.3 million lives saved annually by 2035 – and that even a more modest 10% increase in coverage could save 1.3 million lives each year.[4] In the DRC, Save the Children's large-scale maternal and newborn health programmes are at high risk of being suspended. Chantal*, 18, and her husband fled their village in North Kivu in eastern DRC in February 2024 following armed clashes. In March 2025, despite pregnancy complications, Chantal gave birth to a boy safely thanks to surgery in a hospital supported by Save the Children in North Kivu, where services are now under threat due to aid cuts. Chantal said: 'As [my husband and I] have no financial means, even though I was pregnant, I couldn't go to the clinic for a check-up, fearing the bill, so I came to the clinic when I started to feel unusual pains from my pregnancy. When I was consulted at the clinic, I quickly told the man that I didn't have the financial means to go there and that they should do their best to treat me locally. I was surprised when they told me that I would be treated free of charge, even in the maternity ward. That day, I was taken to the general hospital. I don't know how to express my gratitude, because I wouldn't be able to pay the bill that would be given to me here, and I could stay for months in this hospital without any hope of getting out.' Margueritte*, a nurse at a Save the Children-supported clinic in North Kivu, DRC, said a temporary suspension of services earlier this year had a terrible impact on a mother: "I saw a pregnant woman with suspected foetal distress. We referred her to the state hospital, but when she found out she would have to pay for treatment, she started crying because she had no financial means. As a health centre, we are unable to offer any support. With this project, we used to provide free care for all patients, but that's no longer possible.' Moazzam Malik, CEO of Save the Children UK who is attending the 78th World Health Summit this week in Geneva, said: 'As health leaders meet for the World Health Assembly, shrinking aid and rising debt are threatening essential health services, putting millions of lives at risk -especially among women, children, and the most vulnerable. 'It is unconscionable that funding shortfalls mean that around 95,000 mothers will be forced to give birth without a skilled health professional present, putting them and their babies at risk of lifelong complications and even death. 'Governments must act now to rethink and realign health financing: mobilising domestic resources, taxing harmful products, coordinating donor support, and investing in resilient primary health systems. The future of universal health coverage depends on bold decisions today.' The World Health Assembly (WHA) is the ultimate decision-making body of the WHO and is held annually in Geneva to determine the health agency's policies and funding priorities. Save the Children is urging member states to adopt this year's proposed WHA resolution on strengthening global health financing as well as the resolution on accelerating action on the global health and care workforce by 2030. Save the Children trains and equips frontline health workers and uses basic, low-cost care to save newborn lives in 30 countries around the world. In 2024, our maternal, newborn and reproductive health services reached 1.4 million babies and 2.1 million mothers and women of reproductive age in 30 countries. NOTES [1] Save the Children estimates that 95,000 births could take place without a skilled attendant present in the next 12 months from now based on analysis of the crude birth rate of the target population reached by Save the Children-supported health facilities that have either stopped work or are at risk of closure due to aid cuts in five countries affected or potentially affected by aid cuts. The top 3 affected countries are DRC (82,693); Yemen (5,231) and Nigeria (4,607). [2] A skilled birth attendant (SBA) is an accredited health professional - such as a midwife, doctor or nurse - who has been educated and trained to proficiency in the skills needed to manage normal (i.e. uncomplicated) pregnancies, childbirth and the immediate postnatal period, and in the identification, management and referral of women and neonates for complications. [3] & [4] *Names changed for anonymity. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Save the Children.
