Using economic analysis to inform health resource allocation: lessons from Malawi

Area of Science:

• Health economics
• Public health policy
• Resource allocation

Background:

• Malawi faces challenges in sustaining health gains due to limited funding and donor reliance.
• Efficient health spending is crucial for maximizing impact on mortality and morbidity.
• Health benefits packages are key for strategic resource allocation but face development and implementation hurdles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review tools and frameworks for designing health benefits packages in Malawi.
• To align health financing with prioritized health benefits.
• To support evidence-based resource allocation for Universal Health Coverage.

Main Methods:

• Cost-effectiveness analysis.
• Development of tools and frameworks by the Malawian government and Thanzi la Onse Programme.
• Review of related analyses to guide policy.

Main Results:

• A set of tools and frameworks has been developed to guide the design of health benefits packages.
• These tools address key policy questions on intervention selection, geographic allocation, input prioritization, equity, and research prioritization.
• The presented frameworks are adaptable for complex African healthcare systems.

Conclusions:

• The developed tools and frameworks aim to enhance efficient resource allocation in Malawi's health sector.
• They provide a structured approach to prioritizing health interventions and investments.
• The initiative supports Malawi's journey towards Universal Health Coverage and offers a model for other African nations.