Angola Begins Preparation of National Health Accounts for 2020–2023
Angola has launched the process of preparing its National Health Accounts (NHA) for the period 2020 to 2023, marking a significant step towards improving efficiency and equity in health sector financing.
The Ministry of Health (MINSA) is leading the initiative, with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the INTEGRA initiative.
The NHA will provide a comprehensive overview of how health financial resources are mobilised, distributed, and utilised, supporting evidence-based decision-making and progress towards Universal Health Coverage. The exercise will be carried out between November 2025 and April 2026, following the international System of Health Accounts 2011 (SHA 2011) methodology.
Data collection and analysis will be conducted across health facilities and municipal and provincial administrations in the provinces of Bié, Cuando Cubango, Malange, Luanda, Uíge, and Zaire.
The study will cover the public and private sectors, international donors, civil society, non-governmental organisations, insurance companies, households, and cooperation partners. Support from the INTEGRA initiative will ensure coverage of four key provinces including Bié, Cuando Cubango, Uíge, and Zaire which face significant challenges in accessing essential health services.
The NHA process will review and adapt data collection tools, quantify health financial flows, identify services provided, and determine beneficiaries of health investments. The findings will culminate in the Angola National Health Accounts Report 2020–2023, aligned with WHO standards.
“The preparation of the National Health Accounts represents an important milestone in strengthening governance and improving efficiency in the health sector,” said Dr Indrajit Hazarika, WHO Representative in Angola. Denise António, UNDP Resident Representative in Angola, added: “This exercise responds directly to the Government’s priorities set out in the 2023–2027 National Development Plan. With solid data, Angola will be better able to direct resources where they are most needed and ensure that no one is left behind.”
The last NHA report in Angola covered the period 2006–2008. Since then, the country has faced growing challenges in health financing, including increased demand for services and the need to strengthen primary care, epidemiological surveillance, and investments in human resources and infrastructure.
The new NHA will help the government and partners identify high-priority areas, optimise resource allocation, and strengthen the resilience of the health system. WHO and UNDP emphasise that regular preparation of National Health Accounts is vital to promoting financial sustainability and building a more equitable health system capable of meeting the needs of all Angolans.
