Our aim

Policy-makers must have access to the best possible research and analysis to ensure their health investments save as many lives as possible. We are a group of health economists who work in partnership with other scientists and policy-makers to improve the way health care is delivered and financed by health systems in low and middle income countries. We work across the globe in a variety of contexts: in low-income countries (Cambodia, Kenya), middle-income countries (Fiji, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia) and post-conflict (Timor-Leste) to build stronger health systems.

Our approach

We undertake evaluations of interventions to change the way health care providers, patients and communities respond to a health problem. We also evaluate the introduction of new health care technologies and interventions. These are typically trial-based studies with cost-effectiveness as a key outcome. 

We also evaluate different ways of financing and paying for health care. Many people in low and middle income countries do not receive care when they need it or endure catastrophic costs and loss of income as a result of seeking care. We have studies in Fiji, Timor Leste and Cambodia designed to provide a clearer picture of the fairness and efficiency of current funding arrangements and what can be done to improve things. 

We generate high quality evidence on how developing countries can make greatest use of  their  available resources while minimising the burden on the poor. We believe that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. All health systems  have their own unique set of goals and challenges. We design and implement research studies driven by the countries themselves, a necessary pre-condition for translating research in policy change.

Research Areas

In low and middle income countries, our research focuses on:

• Health care financing

• Economic evaluations of behaviour change evaluations
• Economic evaluations of new medicines and diagnostics 
• Human resources for health
• Understanding the role of the private health sector
• Priority setting in health

It is our aim to support health systems in these countries to ensure that resources for health are not wasted, and that those who need the services get them - not only those who can pay for them.