Current Trends in Government Health Spending Presented by Dr. Nawa Raj Subba. 

Slide 1: Title Slide • Title: Current Trends in Government Health Spending • Subtitle: Challenges and Opportunities in Low-Income and Lower-Middle-Income Countries • Visuals: Global health spending map or graph 

Slide 2: Introduction • Peak government health spending during COVID-19 pandemic. • Significant decline in health budgets post-2020. • Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Overview: • How can countries address the decline in health spending? Key Question: 

Slide 3: Global Trends in Government Health Spending • LICs per capita spending: $13 (2020) → <$10 (2023). • LMICs per capita spending: $64 (2021) → $55 (2023). • Growth rates: 4.2% (2015–2019) → 1.2% (2019–2023). Key Statistics: Insights: Reversal of health prioritization in budgets. 

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Slide 4: Regional Impact • 35 nations with a combined population >2.5 billion. • Declines in both per capita spending and health budget shares. Focus Countries: • Many countries unable to meet SDG health spending targets. Outcome: 

Slide 5: Nepal's Health Spending Trends • During COVID-19: Sharp increase in health spending. • $11 per capita in 2020 (slightly below LIC average). • Post-Pandemic Decline: Return to pre-pandemic spending levels. • Mirrors global LIC trends. 

Slide 6: Challenges to Health Spending Decline in Prioritization: Reduced share of government resources for health. Fiscal Constraints: • Budget limitations post-pandemic. Implications: • Hinders progress toward SDGs. • Threatens human development and poverty reduction. 

Slide 7: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) • Health-Related SDGs: • Universal health coverage. • Reduction of maternal and child mortality. • Pandemic preparedness. • Current Status: • Insufficient funding jeopardizes targets. 

Slide 8: Recommendations for LICs and LMICs Prioritize Health Spending: • Increase budget allocations to health sectors. Efficiency Improvements: • Enhance transparency and effectiveness in spending. Innovative Financing: • Explore public- private partnerships and external aid. 

Slide 9: Nepal: Specific Recommendations • Focus Areas: • Integrate health spending into national priorities. • Improve fiscal management and revenue generation. • Monitor and evaluate health performances and investments. 

Slide 10: Broader Implications • Impact of Inaction: • Setbacks in human capital development. • Increased vulnerability to future pandemics. • Prolonged poverty cycles. 

Slide 11: Conclusion Summary: • Declines in health spending post- pandemic pose a global challenge. • Urgent action required to meet SDG targets. Call to Action: • Governments must re-prioritize health investments to ensure long- term growth. 

Slide 12: References • Sources Cited: • World Bank. (2023). Health spending trends through 2023: Peaks, declines, and mounting risks. Washington, DC: World Bank Group. • Ministry of Health and Population Nepal. (2021). Annual health report. Kathmandu: Government of Nepal.