Achieving Universal Health Coverage: The Political Economy of Health Financing: How-to Guide

A new guide has been created to help with the “Political Economy of Health Financing: How-to Guide.” This comprehensive tool outlines a structured process for analyzing and addressing key political economy factors that can impact health financing reform. The guide, which is developed in conjunction with WHO’s broader program on Political Economy of Health Financing Reform, acknowledges the significance of political economy factors in shaping health financing reform trajectories.

While this guide is not a comprehensive toolbox of all potential political economy factors and strategies related to health financing reform, it provides a useful framework for analyzing and addressing issues surrounding health financing and political economy. By identifying the various stakeholders involved in health financing reform, understanding their power dynamics, interests, and positions, as well as the institutions influencing the negotiation process and contextual and economic factors, strategies can be developed to overcome resistance or gain support from stakeholders.

The incorporation of political economy analysis aims to facilitate a more strategic approach to reform, enhancing the likelihood of effective design, adoption, implementation, and progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This guide provides valuable insights into how to navigate complex political economies to achieve sustainable healthcare systems that benefit everyone.