While the last 20 years have seen unprecedented progress in health with dramatic decreases in under-5 and maternal mortality rates worldwide, there remain major challenges in reaching universal health coverage (UHC) and, more broadly, achieving the health related sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The Lancet Commission on Investing in Health estimated the need for an additional US$ 70 to US$ 90 billion in funding per year to scale up efforts that address the unfinished agenda of the Millennium Development Goals, take on the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases and injuries, and strengthen health systems. Therefore, as we look toward the future, one of the most important challenges is to ensure the availability and sustainability of financing.
This Forum is envisioned as the first of a series of annual events that will bring together countries and partners to shape a joint agenda on sustainable financing for UHC and provide a platform to advance knowledge and its application in financing UHC. The 2016 Forum will focus specifically on the topic of Resource Mobilization including through domestic sources, with particular reference to improving revenue collection, prioritizing funds for health, strengthening the role of development assistance, and harnessing private sector financing.
The event will include a mix of plenary and parallel sessions and will bring together approximately 250 experts on public and health finance, including representatives from Ministries of Finance and Health from low and middle-income countries, and staff from partner organizations, including bi- and multi-lateral institutions, civil society organizations, think tanks, and academia. Some of these sessions will be webcast. For webcast links, please click here.
Annual Financing Forum Concept Note [pdf]
Agenda [pdf]
Background Paper [pdf]
