Evidence from systematic reviews to inform decision making regarding financing mechanisms that improve access to health services for poor people

ORIGINAL TITLE: Evidence from systematic reviews to inform decision making regarding financing mechanisms that improve access to health services for poor people A policy brief prepared for the International Dialogue on Evidence-Informed Action to Achieve Health Goals in Developing Countries (IDEAHealth) BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence indicates that many vulnerable groups are effectively excluded from accessing reasonable quality health care in low and middle income countries. Even services established as highly cost-effective have been seen as failing to reach those in need. Financial barriers have been recognized as primary obstacles for those trying to access health services. In low and middle income countries (LMICs) chronic under-funding of health systems has sometimes led to the adoption of health financing mechanisms whose beneficial effects are disputed. Given this growing concern several innovative financing mechanisms have been developed that aim to encourage greater service provision efficiency and a greater uptake of existing services. This policy brief reports the findings of a series of systematic reviews that assessed the impact of five health financing policy options on access to health services, particular for poor populations.