Mapping user fees for health care in high-mortality countries - evidence from a recent survey

Abstract

In recent years several countries have introduced reforms to user fees; a growing number of countries are also introducing basic health care free at the point of use. In many cases, the focus has been on making health care more accessible for priority groups, particularly pregnant women and young children. However, despite the high interest in user fee removal, there are many information gaps on the current status of user fees in low-income countries, particularly for those interested in carrying out international comparisons. This paper presents a useful snapshot of some patterns in this changing area of health financing from 49 countries in Africa and Asia.