Oms Financement Des Systèmes De Santé
WHO: Financing Health Systems
The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a crucial role in guiding and supporting countries in strengthening their health systems, with financing being a cornerstone. Sustainable and equitable health financing is essential for achieving universal health coverage (UHC), ensuring that everyone can access the healthcare services they need without facing financial hardship.
The WHO's approach to health systems financing is multifaceted. It emphasizes moving away from out-of-pocket payments at the point of service, which disproportionately affect the poor and can deter people from seeking necessary care. Instead, the WHO advocates for financing mechanisms based on prepayment and risk pooling, such as taxation, social health insurance, and mandatory health insurance schemes. These mechanisms spread the financial burden across a wider population, reducing the risk of catastrophic health expenditures for individuals and families.
The organization offers technical assistance to countries in designing and implementing health financing reforms. This assistance includes analyzing existing health financing systems, identifying areas for improvement, and developing strategies to increase resource mobilization, improve efficiency in resource allocation, and ensure financial protection. WHO provides tools and frameworks for assessing health expenditure, tracking progress towards UHC, and modeling the impact of different financing policy options.
A key area of focus is improving efficiency in health spending. This involves reducing waste and inefficiency in the healthcare system, such as through improved procurement practices, better management of health facilities, and addressing corruption. The WHO also promotes the use of evidence-based interventions and cost-effective technologies to maximize the impact of health spending.
The WHO acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health financing. The optimal financing system for a country depends on its specific context, including its economic development, political system, and health needs. Therefore, the WHO emphasizes the importance of country ownership and tailoring financing reforms to the specific circumstances of each country.
Furthermore, the WHO plays a vital role in advocating for increased investment in health at the global level. It works with international organizations, donor agencies, and governments to mobilize resources for health in low- and middle-income countries. The WHO also promotes international cooperation in health financing, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices between countries.
In conclusion, the WHO's work on financing health systems is critical for achieving UHC and improving the health and well-being of populations worldwide. By promoting prepayment, risk pooling, efficiency, and increased investment in health, the WHO helps countries build sustainable and equitable health financing systems that can provide access to quality healthcare for all.