Financing health services in Africa : an assessment of alternative approaches

Abstract

This paper outlines a strategy for financing health services in sub-Saharan Africa. The individual components of the strategy are as follows: general tax revenues, international finance, a system of user charges, community finance, health insurance, and contributions from nongovernmental organizations, including the private sector. The author states that financial positions of public health care systems in sub-Saharan Africa would be greatly enhanced if governments in the region were to adopt policies that would use each of the above sources of finance. Since a strong financial base is a prerequisite for an effective health care system, such policies would considerably improve the health status of the population. It is important that for each country different policies be pursued at various levels of society, and in different sectors of the economy.Health Systems Development&Reform,Health Monitoring&Evaluation,Housing&Human Habitats,Health Economics&Finance,Pharmaceuticals&Pharmacoeconomics