South Africa’s National Department of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office, officially launched the first Health Financing Progress Matrix (HFPM) report in Pretoria on 19 March 2026. The launch brought together key partners and stakeholders to present the report’s findings and begin discussions on practical ways to strengthen the country’s health financing system in support of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The event placed particular emphasis on using evidence to guide decision-making, promoting equity, ensuring sustainable progress, and improving long-term planning for universal access to healthcare.
The HFPM is a structured WHO tool designed to help countries assess how their health financing systems function in practice. It examines how resources are raised, pooled, and used to purchase health services, while also evaluating the governance arrangements that shape these decisions. In South Africa, the assessment was led through a country-owned process that included a review of key documents, consultations with stakeholders, and technical analysis. This approach helped identify existing strengths, important gaps, and realistic areas for reform. A multi-stakeholder technical working group guided the process, while WHO provided technical advisory support and assisted in preparing the final report. The broader aim was to help South Africa make informed, evidence-based policy choices and set priorities over time.
In his opening remarks, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, South Africa’s Minister of Health, described the HFPM report as an important milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to build a health system that is equitable, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of everyone living in South Africa. His comments underscored the government’s recognition that stronger health financing is central to improving access to quality health services and achieving a more inclusive health system.
Speaking on behalf of WHO, Ms Shenaaz El-Halabi, the WHO Representative in South Africa, highlighted the principle underpinning the initiative: that health is a fundamental human right, not a privilege available only to those who can afford it. She expressed hope that the report’s recommendations would support and inform South Africa’s ongoing policy reforms as the country continues advancing toward Universal Health Coverage. Her remarks reinforced the idea that financing reforms must be guided not only by technical efficiency, but also by fairness and social justice.
During the event, participants were guided through the report’s major findings and their implications for both service delivery and financial protection. Dr Matthew Jowett, Unit Head for Governance, Policy and Financing at WHO headquarters, together with Dr Joseph Kutzin, an independent consultant, explained the key evidence emerging from the assessment. Dr Kalipso Chalkidou, Director for Performance, Financing and Delivery at WHO headquarters, also offered high-level reflections, acknowledging South Africa’s progress while encouraging stakeholders to use the findings as a basis for practical reforms, sustained dialogue, and ongoing monitoring of progress in line with UHC goals.
The discussion at the launch went beyond presenting the report and focused strongly on how to turn evidence into action. Stakeholders explored how to confirm priority reforms, clarify institutional responsibilities, and plan follow-up engagement so that the report’s findings can be shared and embedded across relevant structures in the health sector. Participants also considered the importance of revisiting the findings periodically to measure progress, reassess priorities, and adapt strategies as South Africa’s health financing landscape evolves.
Throughout the HFPM process, the National Department of Health played a leading role in planning the work, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring national ownership of the assessment. WHO recognized this strong leadership and also expressed appreciation for the financial support provided by the United Kingdom, through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which helped make the initiative possible. Overall, the launch of the inaugural HFPM report marks a significant step in South Africa’s efforts to strengthen health financing systems and move closer to a more equitable and sustainable path toward Universal Health Coverage.
