The persistence of tuberculosis (TB) as a public health challenge in the Region exemplifies the necessity of effective financial protection. TB care and prevention often entail significant costs for patients including expenses for diagnosis, treatment and related care. These costs disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, often leading to catastrophic expenditures that exacerbate poverty and undermine treatment adherence. Addressing the financial barriers to TB care is thus an urgent priority, not only to improve health outcomes but also to reduce the economic burden on individuals and families.
As outlined in the Western Pacific Regional Framework to End TB 2021–2030, ensuring financial protection requires a multisectoral approach that extends beyond TB programmes alone. Integrating TB services into universal health coverage initiatives, strengthening social health insurance schemes and implementing social protection policies are critical steps. However, ongoing challenges − such as underfunded benefit packages, inequitable entitlement criteria and inefficiencies in reimbursement systems − limit the effectiveness of current mechanisms. Moreover, economic downturn in the Region poses additional threats to the sustainability of TB programmes as well as other essential public health programmes.
Recognizing these challenges, this workshop aims to assess and strengthen financial protection mechanisms across the Western Pacific Region, using TB care and prevention as a key example. By bringing together representatives from national TB programmes, health financing and insurance focal points, disease control authorities, social welfare sectors and technical experts, the workshop seeks to develop actionable recommendations that enhance financial protection for TB and other health programmes. The outcomes will inform policies that ensure no one is left behind, fostering inclusive and sustainable health systems across the Region.
