Health financing is a fundamental pillar of health systems, vital for achieving universal health coverage (UHC). It seeks to ensure that people can access quality health services without financial hardship, and that the healthcare system is adequately resourced and sustainably managed. Effective health financing mechanisms are crucial to improving health outcomes, protecting families from catastrophic costs, and building resilient, equitable societies.
lobally, millions still face financial barriers to accessing healthcare, with out-of-pocket payments pushing around 100 million people into extreme poverty each year (WHO, 2021). Efforts like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and WHO’s UHC initiatives highlight the urgency of strengthening health financing systems.
In Africa, weak insurance coverage and reliance on out-of-pocket payments dominate, though countries like Rwanda and Ghana are making strides through national health insurance schemes. South Africa, despite a well-funded public health sector, struggles with inequalities between public and private healthcare access.
In Europe, especially in Western and Northern countries, health financing systems are robust, with strong public insurance models, though challenges remain in Eastern Europe regarding equitable resource distribution. Across the MENA region, while Gulf countries have made significant investments in health financing, conflict-affected areas like Yemen and Syria face fragile health systems and limited access to sustainable financing mechanisms.
High out-of-pocket costs continue to exclude the most vulnerable from essential services, reinforcing cycles of poverty and ill health. Many health financing systems also suffer from inefficiencies, resource mismanagement, and a lack of mechanisms to ensure equitable access. However, there are growing opportunities through innovative financing models such as risk pooling, national health insurance, and results-based financing. New global frameworks are driving reforms, and technological innovations like digital health platforms offer tools to strengthen financial accountability and coverage expansion.
A strong health financing system is essential for ensuring that all people can access the health services they need without suffering financial hardship
At Bodmando Consulting Group, we deliver technical support services to governments, development partners, and organizations to advance equitable and sustainable health financing systems:
World Health Organization. (2021). Health Financing for Universal Coverage. https://www.who.int
Kutzin, J. (2013). Health financing for universal coverage and health system performance: concepts and implications for policy. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 91(8), 602–611.
McIntyre, D., & Kutzin, J. (2016). Health financing country diagnostic: A foundation for national strategy development. World Health Organization.
Ghebreyesus, T.A. (2020). Remarks at the WHO Executive Board Session on Universal Health Coverage
Bodmando Consulting Group is a feminist international consulting firm
+256200903851 / +256708792579
info@bodmando.org
First floor, Biira Hilltop Plaza, Kagoma, P.O BOX 112949, Wakiso district, Central Uganda
© 2025 Bodmando Consulting Group. All Rights Reserved