Middle-income countries (MIC) face a unique set of health challenges; while they made significant progress in improving healthcare access and infrastructure, they often grapple with a "middle-income trap" where they face a double burden of disease. This means they continue to combat infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS while also dealing with the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. They often struggle with balancing limited financial resources with increasing healthcare demands and may face challenges in funding comprehensive healthcare services, including preventive measures and treatments for both infectious and non-communicable diseases. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that involves strengthening health systems, promoting healthy lifestyles, ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, and mobilising resources effectively. Understanding the comparative effectiveness of different financing mechanisms helps policymakers allocate resources more efficiently. By identifying which policies yield better health outcomes for the same or lower cost, countries can optimise their limited resources.
Regional report summarising evidence on Primary Health Care (PHC) financing policies in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Many MICs are in the process of strengthening their health systems to meet the evolving health needs of their populations. Adequate financing policies ensures that PHC services are available and accessible to all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status. There is however limited context specific evidence on PHC financing policies in MICs, particularly of countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. A comparative case study analysis of WHO country assessments on PHC financing in Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Republic of Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan aims to identify factors that facilitate and hinder PHC.
Policy brief on Primary Health Care (PHC)
financing policies for advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
financing policies for advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Achieving Universal Health Coverage goes hand in hand with building a comprehensive Primary Health Care system. Countries that build a comprehensive Primary Health Care system are better in providing and maintaining access to the essential health services that aid in achieving Universal Health Coverage. Middle-income countries vary significantly in terms of their economic, social, and political contexts. What works in one country may not necessarily work in another. Research helps identify context-specific factors that influence the effectiveness of health financing policies. This policy article therefore aims to explain some of the commonalities and differences of PHC financing policies in countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia to foster further implementation of comprehensive PHC.