scholarly journals Advancing African Medicines Agency through Global Health Diplomacy for an Equitable Pan-African Universal Health Coverage: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 11758
Author(s):  
Vijay Kumar Chattu ◽  
Vishal B. Dave ◽  
K. Srikanth Reddy ◽  
Bawa Singh ◽  
Biniyam Sahiledengle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Essential Medicines ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Global Health Diplomacy ◽  
Health Diplomacy ◽  
African Health ◽  
Health Strategy ◽  
Universal Health

The African continent is home to 15% of the world’s population and suffers from a disease burden of more than 25% globally. In this COVID-19 era, the high burden and mortality are further worsened due to inequities, inequalities such as inadequate health systems, scarce financial and human resources, as well as unavailability of inexpensive medicines of good quality, safety, and efficacy. The Universal Health Coverage ensures that people have access to high-quality essential health services, secure, reliable, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines, as well as financial security. This paper aimed at addressing the critical need for a continental African Medicines Agency (AMA) in addressing the inequities and the role of global health diplomacy in building consensus to support the ratification of the Treaty of AMA. A literature review was done in Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Google Scholar search engine to identify the critical literature in the context of study objectives. All the articles published after 2015 till 2021 in the context of AMA were included. African Health Strategy 2016–2030 highlighted the importance of an African regulatory mechanism for medicines and medical products. Through global health diplomacy (GHD), the African Union and its partners can negotiate and cooperate in providing infrastructural, administrative, and regulatory support for establishing the AMA. The paper emphasizes the South–South cooperation and highlights the contributions of India and China in the supply of medicines and vaccines to Africa. A strong AMA created through GHD can be a vital instrument in utilizing Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) flexibilities extension and an ideal partner for European and other regional regulatory authorities seeking to stem the tide of counterfeit, sub-standard, or fake products.

scholarly journals The Legal Determinants of Health: How Can We Achieve Universal Health Coverage and What Does it Mean?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence O. Gostin
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Essential Medicines ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
The Right ◽  
Universal Health

How can we keep people – wherever they live – healthy and safe? Among all global health initiatives, universal health coverage (UHC) has garnered most political attention. But can UHC (as important as it is) actually achieve the two fundamental aspirations of the right to health: keeping people healthy and safe, while leaving no one behind? There is a universal longing for health and security, but also a deep-seated belief in fairness and equity. Can UHC achieve both health and equity, or what I have called, "global health with justice?" What makes a population healthy and safe? Certainly, universal and affordable access to healthcare is essential, including clinical prevention, treatment, and essential medicines. But beyond medical care are public health services, including surveillance, clean air, potable water, sanitation, vector control, and tobacco control. The final and most important factor in good health are social determinants, including housing, employment, education, and equity. If we can provide everyone with these three essential conditions for good health (healthcare, public health and social determinants), it would vastly improve global health. But we also need to take measures to leave no one behind. To achieve equity, we need to plan for it, and here I propose national health equity programs of action. Society’s highest obligation is to achieve global health, with justice.

scholarly journals Analyzing efforts to synergize the global health agenda of universal health coverage, health security and health promotion: a case-study from Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amare Worku Tadesse ◽  
Kassu Ketema Gurmu ◽  
Selamawit Tesfaye Kebede ◽  
Mahlet Kifle Habtemariam
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Health System ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Health Security ◽  
Universal Health ◽  
Health Agenda

Abstract Background Evidence exists about synergies among universal health coverage, health security and health promotion. Uniting these three global agendas has brought success to the country’s health sector. This study aimed to document the efforts Ethiopia has made to apply nationally synergistic approaches uniting these three global health agendas. Our study is part of the Lancet Commission on synergies between these global agendas. Methods We employed a case study design to describe the synergistic process in the Ethiopian health system based on a review of national strategies and policy documents, and key informant interviews with current and former policymakers, and academics. We analyzed the “hardware” (using the World Health Organization’s building blocks) and the “software” (ideas, interests, and power relations) of the Ethiopian health system according to the aforementioned three global agendas. Results Fragmentation of health system primarily manifested as inequities in access to health services, low health workforce and limited capacity to implementation guidelines. Donor driven vertical programs, multiple modalities of health financing, and inadequate multisectoral collaborations were also found to be key features of fragmentation. Several approaches were found to be instrumental in fostering synergies within the global health agenda. These included strong political and technical leadership within the government, transparent coordination, and engagement of stakeholders in the process of priority setting and annual resource mapping. Furthermore, harmonization and alignment of the national strategic plan with international commitments, joint financial arrangements with stakeholders and standing partnership platforms facilitated efforts for synergy. Conclusions Ethiopia has implemented multiple approaches to overcome fragmentation. Such synergistic efforts of the primary global health agendas have made significant contributions to the improvement of the country’s health indicators and may promote sustained functionality of the health system.

scholarly journals Financing Healthcare in Central and Eastern European Countries: How Far Are We from Universal Health Coverage?

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1382
Author(s):  
Marzena Tambor ◽  
Jacek Klich ◽  
Alicja Domagała
Keyword(s):  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Eastern European ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Benefit Package ◽  
Significant Downward Trend ◽  
Out Of Pocket Payments ◽  
Eastern European Countries ◽  
Universal Health

After the fall of communism, the healthcare systems of Central and Eastern European countries underwent enormous transformation, resulting in departure from publicly financed healthcare. This had significant adverse effects on equity in healthcare, which are still evident. In this paper, we analyzed the role of government and households in financing healthcare in eight countries (EU-8): Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. A desk research method was applied to collect quantitative data on healthcare expenditures and qualitative data on gaps in universal health coverage. A linear regression analysis was used to analyze a trend in health expenditure over the years 2000–2018. Our results indicate that a high reliance on out-of-pocket payments persists in many EU-8 countries, and only a few countries have shown a significant downward trend over time. The gaps in universal coverage in the EU-8 countries are due to explicit rationing (a limited benefit package, patient cost sharing) and implicit mechanisms (wait times). There is need to increase the role of public financing in CEE countries through budget prioritization, reducing patient co-payments for medical products and medicines, and extending the benefit package for these goods, as well as improving the quality of care.

scholarly journals The Legislative Role of Universal Health Coverage Achievement in Kolaka Regency

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (T2) ◽  
pp. 41-46
Author(s):  
Rahmat Anzari ◽  
Sukri Palutturi ◽  
Aminuddin Syam
Keyword(s):  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Data Validity ◽  
District Government ◽  
Document Review ◽  
Fully Functioning ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Universal Health

BACKGROUND: The legislative role intended in accordance with the mandate of law number 17 of 2014 concerning the MPR, DPR, DPD, and DPRD in article 365 mentions three functions of the DPRD, namely, legislation, budgeting, and supervision. AIM: This study aimed to determine the legislative role in the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kolaka Regency. METOHDS: This research method uses a qualitative with four informants selected by accidental sampling. Data obtained through in-depth interviews, observation, and document review. Data triangulation analysis is used to obtain data validity. RESULTS: The results showed that the role of the legislature in the legislative function had not been carried out properly because there were no regional regulations issued by the district government of Kolaka who supports the achievement of UHC and will only conduct academic studies related to JKN, the budgeting function has been carried out well because of Commission III of the District Parliament of Kolaka has provided full support regarding budgeting in the health sector and the oversight function is also well implemented. Parliamentary budget oversight in Kolaka is carried out 3 times a year/per quarter by the DPRD in collaboration with the inspectorate, BPK and APIP by comparing planning with reality on the ground. It was concluded that the legislative role in the achievement of UHC in Kolaka was not fully functioning properly. CONCLUSION: It is expected to immediately formulate and issue regional regulations that support the implementation of the JKN program as a manifestation of the achievement of UHC in Kolaka and involve academic experts in UHC/JKN in formulating the regional regulation.

scholarly journals COMMUNITY PHARMACY ROLE IN UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE IN MOMBASA COUNTY

2021 ◽  
pp. 331-341
Author(s):  
Kailong J. M ◽  
Aggrey A ◽  
Mulinya S
Keyword(s):  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Health Planning ◽  
Essential Medicines ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Controlled Drugs ◽  
Universal Health

Community pharmacy role in universal health coverage was a qualitative study that entailed close contact to the role played by community pharmacies in healthcare provision. As a "small healthcare" in provision of pharmaceutical services, community pharmacies are required to be included in realization of Universal Health Coverage in Mombasa since it is among the Big 4 Agenda of the national government (MOH, 2013). The objective of the study was to determine community pharmacy role in universal health coverage. A descriptive cross sectional study design was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data and the design estimate the prevalence of the outcome of interest commonly for the purpose of public health planning. A sample size of 196 was calculated using fishers formula. Data was collected using in-depth interviews and structured questionnaire were administered on a target population of community pharmacies health providers and clients seeking services respectively. The collected data was analysed using SPSS version 20 and interpreted using tables and pie charts. On community pharmacy practitioners respondents; 58% were male, 90.3% diploma holders in pharmacy, 39.8% registered with PPB and 65% had practised for less than two years. 78% of the respondents agree that community pharmacy has a role in UHC and there was 74% affordability of community pharmacy medicines. Bivariate analysis findings show that training and inspection on UHC (P=0.003) Covid 19 (p=0.000) and inspection fee (p=0.000). Accessibility; location of community pharmacies (p=0.000) and doctors attitudes (p=0.000). Essential medicines; acyclovir 200mg tablets (p=0.000), chlorpromazine 100mg tablets (p=0.000) and tetanus toxoid vaccine (p=0.000). Key determinants of community pharmacy role in UHC were diploma (AOR 666.7; CI 129.6-3429.5), Erythromycin 125mg suspension (AOR 120.3; CI 15.4-940.8), Acyclovir 200mg tablets (AOR 46.823; CI 17.7-124.1) and Occupation (AOR 45.271; CI 15.363-133.404. The study recommends reduction of tax on essential medicines, MOH revise the UHC policy to incorporate community pharmacies and empowerment on management of controlled drugs and vaccines in order to realize effective and efficient UHC in Kenya

scholarly journals Essential medicines for universal health coverage

The Lancet ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 389 (10067) ◽  
pp. 403-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika J Wirtz ◽  
Hans V Hogerzeil ◽  
Andrew L Gray ◽  
Maryam Bigdeli ◽  
Cornelis P de Joncheere ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Essential Medicines ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Universal Health

Introduction to Part 5: Health for the whole population—leaving no-one behind

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Omaswa ◽  
Nigel Crisp
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Health It ◽  
Universal Health ◽  
The Way

Chapter 16 addresses the way in which universal health coverage has become one of the most important concepts in global health. It sets the scene for the following chapters in which leaders discuss the implementation of universal health coverage in Rwanda, South Africa, and Ghana.

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