Analysis of Health Financing from a Political Economy Perspective

The “Political Economy of Health Financing: How-to Guide” provides a structured approach to analyzing key political economy factors that influence health financing reform. It is part of WHO’s broader program on Political Economy of Health Financing Reform, which emphasizes the importance of these factors in shaping reform trajectories. The Guide does not aim to be an exhaustive list of all potential political economy factors and strategies, but rather a tool for organized analysis and thinking about health financing and its political implications.

By identifying stakeholders in health financing reform, understanding their power dynamics, interests, and positions, as well as the institutions involved in decision-making processes, strategies can be developed to address stakeholders’ resistance or gain their support. This strategic approach aims to improve the design, adoption, and implementation of health financing reforms, ultimately leading to progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The Guide does not provide a one-size-fits-all solution but offers a step-by-step process for incorporating political economy analysis into health financing reform. By considering contextual and economic factors alongside the interests of stakeholders, policymakers can make more informed decisions and increase the chances of successful reform implementation.