Health Technology Assessment in the MENA Region: A Scoping Review and Experts' Meeting Summary

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is pivotal for healthcare decision making worldwide, analyzing medical, economic, ethical, and societal impacts of health interventions. Despite its established role in developed regions, HTA is still relatively new in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This study reviews and updates HTA practices in MENA countries, incorporating expert opinions from the Tailored Reimbursement for Innovative and Generic Essential Remedies (TRIGER) meeting.

The study mapped HTA implementation in the MENA region through a literature review and expert insights from the TRIGER meeting, focusing on policy application across 17 countries and validated by regional and international expertise.

The study included 39 articles from 17 MENA countries, with Tunisia being the oldest HTA body. Tunisia's HTA body is the oldest, followed by Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Pricing and reimbursement decisions are influenced by HTA, with some using value-based pricing and others incorporating it at institutional levels. Multi-criteria decision analysis is emerging, but its application varies. Experts from the TRIGER meeting endorsed the customization of HTA to local needs by establishing national entities, capacity building, and collaboration between countries to advance HTA practices in the region.

HTA practices are developing at different rates in the MENA region, with countries such as Tunisia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Egypt leading with formal bodies and legislation, whereas others such as Jordan have a more fragmented approach. Sharing experiences and best practices among these nations is critical for accelerating effective HTA implementation and enhancing healthcare outcomes across the region.