| Theme area | Resource allocation and health financing |
| Author | EQUINET; HNC; UCT HEU |
| Title of publication | Policy brief 30: Progress in fair financing for health in East and Southern Africa |
| Date of publication | 2012 July |
| Publication type | Document |
| Publication details | EQUINET: HNC, UCT HEU (2012) Progress in fair financing for health in East and Southern Africa Policy brief 30, EQUINET, Harare - |
| Publication status | Published |
| Language | |
| Keywords | fair financing; Abuja commitment; East and Southern Africa |
| Abstract | Fair financing of health services requires that countries reduce their reliance on out-of-pocket (OOP) funding for health services and improve their pre-payment financing through general tax revenue and health insurance (particularly mandatory health insurance). While many countries in east and southern Africa (ESA) receive high levels of external funding, it is critical to increase domestic government funding for the health system to support this move away from out-of-pocket funding to provide effective financial protection from the costs of health care. This policy brief reviews progress in reducing out-of-pocket payments in ESA countries and in increasing government funding for health, particularly in terms of meeting the Abuja target of 15% of the government budget being devoted to the health sector and a target of government spending of US$60 per capita. While there has been some progress in some countries, most ESA countries are still far from achieving these fair financing targets. The brief highlights areas that merit action to meet policy commitments on fair financing. |
| Country | East and southern Africa region |
| Publisher | EQUINET |
| Url | Policy Brief30 financing.pdf |
| Equinet Publication Type | Policy brief |