The Strategy on Health Care Financing for Countries of the Western Pacific and South-East Asia Regions (2006–2010) is intended to translate this important policy direction into regional, national and subnational actions. The strategy aims to provide operational and practical guidance to Member States in improving overall health care financing policy development to achieve adequate, stable and effective health financing that provides equitable access to health services of assured quality.

The strategy is closely linked with broader health system and sector development issues. The WHO functional framework for health system financing is used to address health care financing issues and challenges together with international health and development goals. The strategy reflects the main findings and recommendations from international, regional and country-specific experiences, available evidence, regional and biregional meetings and consultations on health care financing.

Strategy on Health Systems Financing for Countries of the Western Pacific and South-East Asia Regions (2006-2010)

The purpose of the course “Economic principles for health policy” is to encourage the use of economic principles in health policy and planning at country level. The six-day course is structured around the following five modules: health and development, health and macroeconomics, the market for health, health financing and application of economic techniques and tools in health. The content is a balance of technical concepts and country experience – emphasis is on the practical use of economic principles in health policy and planning, particularly in developing countries. The course is designed and lead by WHO SEARO in partnership with Centre for Health Economics, Faculty of Economics, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok (a WHO Collaborating Centre).

Course on ‘Economic Principles for Health Policy and Planning’, November 3rd – 8th 2008, Centre for Health Economics, (A WHO Collaborating Centre), Faculty of Economics, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand [PDF 368 KB]

“Health financing issues in low income settings” is the second workshop in the SEARO country capacity development training series and will be held in Bali, Indonesia, 4-11 March 2009. The course is structured around two modules that cover the key areas in health financing: social protection and provider payments. The content is a mix of technical concepts and country experiences, specifically designed for decision makers. The course is developed by WHO SEARO and will be delivered in collaboration with University of Indonesia, Jakarta and other international experts. Deadline for applications to the course is 16 February 2009.

Full Brochure [PDF 681 KB]

This is the first update on the current global financial crisis and the implications for health in the SEA region. SEAR countries have been coping with the impact of rising oil since 2003 with direct and indirect implications for health. 2007-08 superimposed on this a surge in food prices and a spill-over of the financial meltdown in the United States. These events will have major ramifications on health and health systems for SEAR countries. Through regular updates, SEARO will assist countries to monitor the situation and mitigate the health impact of the crisis. More Information [PDF 635KB]