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Achieving universal health coverage inSub-Saharan Africa through the reformation of mental health financing

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Insufficient financing is limiting mental health services for universal health coverage (UHC) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Without ambitious steps to enhance mental health services, UHC will fall far below its historical agenda; however, adequate mental health financing could strengthen governments’ capacity to provide additional budgetary resources. This paper aims to identify potential strategies for more equitable and sustainable mental health financing in SSA. Using Uganda as a key example, we provide a contextual analysis and highlight current gaps. We draw parallels with successful countries and discuss recommendations for engagement from the global mental health community. This perspective focuses on health systems, mental disease burden, and macro-fiscal situation. Drivers of fiscal space for health indicate prospects to boost mental health budgets for socioeconomic development. Governments should conduct consistent mental health investment cases and expedite fiscal space for aggressive taxation to health reforms.

Source: Global Health Economics and Sustainability

DOI: 10.36922/ghes.3700

Authors: Emmanuel Otieno, Tabeta Seeiso, Jeninah Businge, Grace Kimera, Edward Sempira

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare Systems and Reforms

Subfield: Finance

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Partnerships for the goals

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W4403610743

FWCI: 1.824

Cites:

Cited by: 5

Related to: 10