Editorial: Health Financing and Spending in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Objective.The objective was to evaluate the capacity of primary care (PC) facilities to implement basic interventions for prevention and management of major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.Methods.A cross-sectional survey was done in eight low- and middle-income countries (Benin, Bhutan, Eritrea, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, and Vietnam) in 90 PC facilities randomly selected. The survey included questions on the availability of human resources, equipment, infrastructure, medicines, utilization of services, financing, medical information, and referral systems.Results and Conclusions.Major deficits were identified in health financing, access to basic technologies and medicines, medical information systems, and the health workforce. The study has provided the foundation for strengthening PC to address noncommunicable diseases. There are important implications of the findings of this study for all low- and middle-income countries as capacity of PC is fundamental for equitable prevention and control of NCDs.

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The Effect of Demand- and Supply-Side Health Financing on Infant, Child, and Maternal Mortality in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Health Systems & Reform ◽

10.1080/23288604.2016.1166306 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 147-159 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Diana Bowser ◽

Jaya Gupta ◽

Allyala Nandakumar

Keyword(s):

Maternal Mortality ◽

Health Financing ◽

Supply Side ◽

Middle Income ◽

Demand And Supply ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Low And Middle Income

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Mental health financing challenges, opportunities and strategies in low- and middle-income countries: findings from the Emerald project

BJPsych Open ◽

10.1192/bjo.2019.24 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Dan Chisholm ◽

Sumaiyah Docrat ◽

Jibril Abdulmalik ◽

Atalay Alem ◽

Oye Gureje ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Insurance ◽

National Health Insurance ◽

National Health ◽

Health Financing ◽

Financial Protection ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Mental Health Financing ◽

Low And Middle Income

Background Current coverage of mental healthcare in low- and middle-income countries is very limited, not only in terms of access to services but also in terms of financial protection of individuals in need of care and treatment. Aims To identify the challenges, opportunities and strategies for more equitable and sustainable mental health financing in six sub-Saharan African and South Asian countries, namely Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda. Method In the context of a mental health systems research project (Emerald), a multi-methods approach was implemented consisting of three steps: a quantitative and narrative assessment of each country's disease burden profile, health system and macro-fiscal situation; in-depth interviews with expert stakeholders; and a policy analysis of sustainable financing options. Results Key challenges identified for sustainable mental health financing include the low level of funding accorded to mental health services, widespread inequalities in access and poverty, although opportunities exist in the form of new political interest in mental health and ongoing reforms to national insurance schemes. Inclusion of mental health within planned or nascent national health insurance schemes was identified as a key strategy for moving towards more equitable and sustainable mental health financing in all six countries. Conclusions Including mental health in ongoing national health insurance reforms represent the most important strategic opportunity in the six participating countries to secure enhanced service provision and financial protection for individuals and households affected by mental disorders and psychosocial disabilities. Declaration of interest D.C. is a staff member of the World Health Organization.

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