Health Care Financing and Coping Strategies in Subsaharan Africa: A Systematic Analytical Review

Abstract

Out-of-pocket payment, which has been dominant for meeting the health needs of individuals and households, is gradually crumbling due to non-affordability and equity concerns in the sub-Saharan African region. Most countries in the region are beginning to re-think on how to reform their health care financing in order to improve on coverage and equity. There is an active debate and considerable disagreement about the appropriate role of five approaches to health care financing at low-income levels in the region. This paper reviews the application of these health care financing mechanisms and suggests how best to protect the poor when they fall sick.