Healthier Future Initiatives for the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Expanding Equitable Access to Medical Products

This initiative aims to improve access to quality medical products, which is essential for closing the healthcare access gap in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The primary strategies involve developing a new regional pooled procurement mechanism to enhance accessibility and boost countries’ bargaining power with manufacturers. Furthermore, the initiative provides ongoing technical support at the national level to strengthen domestic capacities for the production, distribution, and regulation of medical products.

Investing in a Resilient and Sustainable Health Workforce

The health workforce is the backbone of every effective health system. However, the initiative addresses a severe shortage of health professionals in the region, which is projected to face a shortfall of 2.1 million doctors, nurses, and midwives. Therefore, the initiative focuses on several key aspects to strengthen the health workforce. Investing in health workers is essential for increasing life expectancy, creating jobs, and supporting economic and social development. The initiative also promotes equitable occupational opportunities and aims to protect health professionals from harm. Ultimately, the goal is to build a resilient, fit-for-purpose, and sustainable health workforce across the region, achieving health security by 2030.

Accelerating Public Health Action on Substance Use

Substance use is a significant and growing public health challenge in the region, and this initiative seeks to tackle it by reducing the economic, social, and health burdens associated with substance use disorders. It addresses the alarming 137% increase in drug use disorders over the past 30 years. The initiative aims to ensure that more people receive the necessary treatment, as currently only 1 in 13 people in the region receive treatment compared to 1 in 5 globally. To achieve these goals, the initiative plans to implement strategic region-wide actions and collaborate with other United Nations agencies and partners, as well as provide country-specific interventions and support.

Overall Vision and Objectives

The WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, emphasises that these flagship initiatives are part of an ambitious vision to ensure the best attainable level of health for everyone. Expanding equitable access to medical products is a core aspect of this vision. The initiatives align with the WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work and aim to accelerate progress toward achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. By focusing on these initiatives, the region can make significant strides toward a healthier future for all.

Streamlining Prior Authorization Reforms: Impacts and Insights for HEOR

June 30, 2025 Rene Pretorius

🚀 Are prior authorizations stalling care delivery in the U.S. healthcare system?

The HHS has launched an ambitious collaboration with major insurers to reform prior authorization processes across Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and commercial plans. With a goal to standardize submissions by 2027 and significantly reduce requirements by 2026, this initiative promises to accelerate care decisions and enhance transparency.

Dive into the details of these pivotal reforms and discover their potential to streamline healthcare and improve patient outcomes.

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Private Health Funding Under South Africa’s National Health Insurance Act

June 30, 2025 João L. Carapinha

🚀 Update on NHI in South Africa.

In their insightful article, Solanki et al. discuss the complexities of private health funding amidst the nation’s National Health Insurance Act. They discuss two key scenarios: a passive approach that risks the sustainability of the private sector and an active reform strategy that could ensure a smoother transition to universal coverage.

Curious about how these strategies could reshape healthcare access and costs in South Africa? Don’t miss out on this critical analysis!

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Impending Net Drug Price Transparency Regulation in the U.S.

June 27, 2025June 27, 2025 Rene Pretorius

💡 Are you ready for a potential game-changer in drug pricing transparency?

CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz has hinted at a new rule aimed at enforcing stricter disclosures for drug prices, requiring healthcare companies to reveal actual transaction costs. This could reshape how price transparency is managed across the industry and challenge pharmacy benefit managers to rethink rebate practices.

Curious about how this will impact healthcare economics and what it means for drug affordability? Dive into the article for all the insights!

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