scholarly journals Enrolment and Micro Health Insurance Growth in Cameroon: the case of BEPHA Scheme in the Bamenda Metropolis, Cameroon

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 26-39
Author(s):  
Okeke Obiamaka ◽  
Kinga Mayin ◽  
Aseh Munteh
Keyword(s):  
Health Insurance ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
World Health ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Micro Health Insurance ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Universal Health

Introduction: Micro Health Insurance Schemes such as BEPHA have been envisaged by the World Health Organization as a means to facilitate the achievement of universal health coverage and reduce catastrophic out of pocket payment for health care in the developing countries especially in Sub Saharan African countries including Cameroon. Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of enrollment on the growth of Micro Health Insurance schemes in Bamenda. Methodology: The causal and descriptive design was adopted for this study. The study area was the Bamenda Metropolis where the MHIS, BEPHA exists. The subjects of the study consisted of people of both sexes between ages 14 and 70 years in Bamenda 1, 2, and 3 councils who had heard about or were registered members of BEPHA. Questionnaires were administered using random sampling techniques to 400 respondents and 10 staffs of BEPHA were interviewed. Frequencies, percentages and the multiple regression analysis were used to analyze data. Findings: From the ten staff interviewed, 50% of them indicated that enrollment into BEPHA was average while 50% said it was low. The growth of BEPHA was said to be50% (average) by 60% of the staff of BEPHA while 40% of them said it was low. Multivariate regression model analysis results showed that enrollment had a significant positive influence on the growth of BEPHA with an estimated standardized coefficients of (β=0.624; p < 0.05). The study overall revealed that enrollment with BEPHA, determine the variations in the growth of the scheme. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This study recommended that management of the scheme should amend some clauses within the scheme such as non-coverage of chronic health conditions, to attract more enrollment with BEPHA.

Prepayment schemes

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Abel Olsen
Keyword(s):  
Health Insurance ◽  
Social Health Insurance ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Revenue Collection ◽  
Otto Von Bismarck ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Universal Health

This chapter considers two different ways of organizing revenue collection in statutory healthcare schemes: social health insurance and taxation. The two models are commonly referred to as ‘Bismarck vs Beveridge’ after the men associated with the origin of these systems: the first German chancellor Otto von Bismarck (1815–1898), and the British economist Lord William Beveridge (1879–1963). The differences between these two compulsory prepayment schemes are discussed and compared with private health insurance. Based on a simple diagram introduced by the World Health Organization, three dimensions of coverage are illustrated. Some policy dilemmas are highlighted when attempting to achieve universal health coverage. Finally, various combinations of public and private prepayment schemes are discussed.

scholarly journals Burden, Access, and Disparities in Kidney Disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-39
Author(s):  
Deidra C. Crews ◽  
Aminu K. Bello ◽  
Gamal Saadi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Basic Infrastructure ◽  
Universal Health

Kidney disease is a global public health problem, affecting over 750 million persons worldwide. The burden of kidney disease varies substantially across the world. In many settings, rates of kidney disease and the provision of its care are defined by socioeconomic, cultural, and political factors leading to significant disparities. World Kidney Day 2019 offers an opportunity to raise awareness of kidney disease and highlight disparities in its burden and current state of global capacity for prevention and management. Here, we highlight the need for strengthening basic infrastructure for kidney care services for early detection and management of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease across all countries and advocate for more pragmatic approaches to providing renal replacement therapies. Achieving universal health coverage worldwide by 2030 is a World Health Organization Sustainable Development Goal. While universal health coverage may not include all elements of kidney care in all countries, understanding what is locally feasible and important with a focus on reducing the burden and consequences of kidney disease would be an important step towards achieving kidney health equity.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of the Incremental Costs of Implementing a New Vaccine in the Expanded Program of Immunization in Sub-Saharan Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 238146831989454
Author(s):  
Joe Brew ◽  
Christophe Sauboin
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Interquartile Range ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Vaccine Type ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Cost

Background. The World Health Organization is planning a pilot introduction of a new malaria vaccine in three sub-Saharan African countries. To inform considerations about including a new vaccine in the vaccination program of those and other countries, estimates from the scientific literature of the incremental costs of doing so are important. Methods. A systematic review of scientific studies reporting the costs of recent vaccine programs in sub-Saharan countries was performed. The focus was to obtain from each study an estimate of the cost per dose of vaccine administered excluding the acquisition cost of the vaccine and wastage. Studies published between 2000 and 2018 and indexed on PubMed could be included and results were standardized to 2015 US dollars (US$). Results. After successive screening of 2119 titles, and 941 abstracts, 58 studies with 80 data points (combinations of country, vaccine type, and vaccination approach–routine v. campaign) were retained. Most studies used the so-called ingredients approach as costing method combining field data collection with documented unit prices per cost item. The categorization of cost items and the extent of detailed reporting varied widely. Across the studies, the mean and median cost per dose administered was US$1.68 and US$0.88 with an interquartile range of US$0.54 to US$2.31. Routine vaccination was more costly than campaigns, with mean cost per dose of US$1.99 and US$0.88, respectively. Conclusion. Across the studies, there was huge variation in the cost per dose delivered, between and within countries, even in studies using consistent data collection tools and analysis methods, and including many health facilities. For planning purposes, the interquartile range of US$0.54 to US$2.31 may be a sufficiently precise estimate.

scholarly journals Measuring the availability and geographical accessibility of maternal health services across sub-Saharan Africa

BMC Medicine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. S. Wigley ◽  
N. Tejedor-Garavito ◽  
V. Alegana ◽  
A. Carioli ◽  
C. W. Ruktanonchai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
National Level ◽  
District Level ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Availability Analysis ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Geographical Accessibility ◽  
Universal Health

Abstract Background With universal health coverage a key component of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, targeted monitoring is crucial for reducing inequalities in the provision of services. However, monitoring largely occurs at the national level, masking sub-national variation. Here, we estimate indicators for measuring the availability and geographical accessibility of services, at national and sub-national levels across sub-Saharan Africa, to show how data at varying spatial scales and input data can considerably impact monitoring outcomes. Methods Availability was estimated using the World Health Organization guidelines for monitoring emergency obstetric care, defined as the number of hospitals per 500,000 population. Geographical accessibility was estimated using the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery, defined as the proportion of pregnancies within 2 h of the nearest hospital. These were calculated using geo-located hospital data for sub-Saharan Africa, with their associated travel times, along with small area estimates of population and pregnancies. The results of the availability analysis were then compared to the results of the accessibility analysis, to highlight differences between the availability and geographical accessibility of services. Results Despite most countries meeting the targets at the national level, we identified substantial sub-national variation, with 58% of the countries having at least one administrative unit not meeting the availability target at province level and 95% at district level. Similarly, 56% of the countries were found to have at least one province not meeting the accessibility target, increasing to 74% at the district level. When comparing both availability and accessibility within countries, most countries were found to meet both targets; however sub-nationally, many countries fail to meet one or the other. Conclusion While many of the countries met the targets at the national level, we found large within-country variation. Monitoring under the current guidelines, using national averages, can mask these areas of need, with potential consequences for vulnerable women and children. It is imperative therefore that indicators for monitoring the availability and geographical accessibility of health care reflect this need, if targets for universal health coverage are to be met by 2030.

scholarly journals The Costs of Implementing Vaccination With the RTS,S Malaria Vaccine in Five Sub-Saharan African Countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 238146831989628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Sicuri ◽  
Fadima Yaya Bocoum ◽  
Justice Nonvignon ◽  
Sergi Alonso ◽  
Bakar Fakih ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Burkina Faso ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Candidate Vaccine ◽  
World Health ◽  
Future Price ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Fourth Dose ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Expanded Program On Immunization ◽  
Health Organization

Background. The World Health Organization has recommended pilot implementation of a candidate vaccine against malaria (RTS,S/AS01) in selected sub-Saharan African countries. This exploratory study aimed to estimate the costs of implementing RTS,S in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Methods. Key informants of the expanded program on immunization at all levels in each country were interviewed on the resources required for implementing RTS,S for routine vaccination. Unit prices were derived from the same sources or from international price lists. Incremental costs in 2015 US dollars were aggregated per fully vaccinated child (FVC). It was assumed the four vaccine doses were either all delivered at health facilities or the fourth dose was delivered in an outreach setting. Results. The costs per FVC ranged from US$25 (Burkina Faso) to US$37 (Kenya) assuming a vaccine price of US$5 per dose. Across countries, recurrent costs represented the largest share dominated by vaccines (including wastage) and supply costs. Non-recurrent costs varied substantially across countries, mainly because of differences in needs for hiring personnel, in wages, in cold-room space, and equipment. Recent vaccine introductions in the countries may have had an impact on resource availability for a new vaccine implementation. Delivering the fourth dose in outreach settings raised the costs, mostly fuel, per FVC by less than US$1 regardless of the country. Conclusions. This study provides relevant information for donors and decision makers about the cost of implementing RTS,S. Variations within and across countries are important and the unknown future price per dose and wastage rate for this candidate vaccine adds substantially to the uncertainty about the actual costs of implementation.

scholarly journals Advancing universal health coverage in China and Vietnam: lessons for other countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenhui Mao ◽  
Yuchen Tang ◽  
Tra Tran ◽  
Michelle Pender ◽  
Phuong Nguyen Khanh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Insurance ◽  
National Health ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Political Commitment ◽  
Population Coverage ◽  
Service Coverage ◽  
Universal Health

Abstract Background China and Vietnam have made impressive progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) through government-led health insurance reforms. We compared the different pathways used to achieve UHC, to identify the lessons other countries can learn from China and Vietnam. Methods This was a mixed method study which included a literature review, in-depth interviews and secondary data analysis. We conducted a literature search in English and Chinese databases, and reviewed policy documents from internal contacts. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 policy makers, government bureaucrats, health insurance scholars in China and Vietnam. Secondary data was collected from National Health Statistics Reports, Health Insurance Statistical Reports and National Health Household Surveys carried out in both countries. We used population insurance coverage, insurance policies, reimbursement rates, number of households experiencing catastrophic heath expenditure (CHE) and incidence of impoverishment due to health expenditure (IHE) to measure the World Health Organization’s three dimensions of UHC: population coverage, service coverage, and financial coverage. Results China has increased population coverage through strong political commitment and extensive government financial subsidies to expand coverage. Vietnam expanded population coverage gradually, by prioritizing the poor and the near-poor in an incremental way. In China, insurance service packages varied across regions and schemes and were greatly determined by financial contributions, resulting in limited service coverage in less developed areas. Vietnam focused on providing a comprehensive and universal service packages for all enrollees thereby approaching UHC in a more equitable manner. CHE rate decreased in Vietnam but increased in China between 2003 and 2008. While Vietnam has decreased the CHE gap between urban and rural populations, China suffers from persistent disparities among population income levels and geographic location. CHE and CHE rates were still high in lower income groups. Conclusion Political commitment, sustainable financial sources and administrative capacity are strong driving factors in achieving UHC through health insurance reform. Health insurance schemes need to consider covering essential health services for all beneficiaries and providing government subsidies for vulnerable populations’ in order to help achieve health for all.

scholarly journals Monitoring Frameworks for Universal Health Coverage: What About High-Income Countries?

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 387-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Bergen ◽  
Arne Ruckert ◽  
Ronald Labonté
Keyword(s):  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
High Income ◽  
World Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Universal Health

Implementing universal health coverage (UHC) is widely perceived to be central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and is a work program priority of the World Health Organization (WHO). Much has already been written about how low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) can monitor progress towards UHC, with various UHC monitoring frameworks available in the literature. However, we suggest that these frameworks are largely irrelevant in high-income contexts and that the international community still needs to develop UHC monitoring framework meaningful for high-income countries (HICs). As a first step, this short communication presents preliminary findings from a literature review and document analysis on how various countries monitor their own progress towards achieving UHC. It furthermore offers considerations to guide meaningful UHC monitoring and reflects on pertinent challenges and tensions to inform future research on UHC implementation in HIC settings.

scholarly journals Fiscal space for Health in the Americas: is economic growth sufficient?

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Camilo Cid Pedraza ◽  
Mauricio Matus-López ◽  
Ernesto Báscolo
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Universal Access ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Political Dialogue ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Fiscal Space ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Universal Health

Objective. In 2014, the member countries of the Pan American Health Organization signed the Strategy for Universal Access to Health and Universal Health Coverage. In it, they committed to increasing public expenditure on health until reaching the benchmark of 6% of gross domestic product (GDP). The objective of this paper is to determine, for each country in the Region, whether they can reach this target through economic growth alone and, if so, how long it would take. Methods. Using World Bank and World Health Organization data, elasticity of public health expenditure (PHE) with respect to GDP was estimated for each country. Real economic growth and International Monetary Fund projections for 2016–2021 were used to project the expenditure series and determine the year each country would reach 6% of GDP. Results. Six countries have already reached the 6% target. The Latin American and Caribbean countries that have achieved it are those that have single health systems, based on universal access and coverage. If current prioritization of PHE is maintained, three countries could reach the target in the next decade. Four more countries would reach it before mid-century, 10 in the second half of the century, and one would have to wait until the next century. Finally, 13 countries would never reach the proposed target. Conclusions. This analysis demonstrates the limitations of economic growth as a source of fiscal space. Other sources will need to be tapped, such as increased tax collection, specific health taxes, and greater efficiency in public spending, which will require social and political dialogue in the countries regarding their commitment to universal health principles.

scholarly journals What sub-Saharan African countries can learn from malaria elimination in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abubakar Olaitan Badmos ◽  
Aishat Jumoke Alaran ◽  
Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi ◽  
Oumnia Bouaddi ◽  
Zainab Onibon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
Western Pacific Region ◽  
African Region ◽  
African Countries ◽  
African Context ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Global Reduction

AbstractMalaria is one of the most devastating diseases plaguing the sub-Saharan African region since time immemorial. In spite of a global reduction in mortality rates, a significant proportion of deaths due to malaria is still accounted for in the region. China recently joined the 40 countries declared malaria free by the World Health Organization and became the first country in the WHO Western Pacific Region to be awarded the certification. We commented on the strategies employed by China to eliminate malaria, address challenges facing malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa, and derive lessons that could be learned in the sub-Saharan African context.

scholarly journals Preparedness and Response Efforts to Fight against COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Opportunities

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Laboratory Facility ◽  
The World ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Health Organization

In late December the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as global pandemic and needs international concern. As the novel corona virus rages through the world and spreads rapidly Africa is the least-affected continent at the moment. Sub-Saharan Africa is the home of more than one billion populations with fragile health system which is prone for the epidemic to occur. But Ebola experience left many African countries better prepared. We were searching all sources of the website related to preparation and prevention of COVID-19 in sub-Sahara Africa countries. Most African countries have established laboratory facility and implement the recommendations that terminate the outbreak COVID-19.

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