Financial barriers and inequalities in healthcare access across East Africa: evidence from demographic and health surveys

Financial barriers are the most prevalent and inequitable obstacle to healthcare access for women in East Africa, disproportionately affecting the poor, less educated, and financially excluded. Accelerating progress toward UHC requires health financing reforms that reduce out-of-pocket payments, alongside multi-sectoral policies that address underlying socioeconomic disadvantages through pro-poor interventions and financial inclusion. This focus is justified given their heightened need for maternal, sexual, and reproductive healthcare, and their heightened vulnerability to financial exclusion and catastrophic health expenditures.