The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research has released a collection of studies addressing healthcare reform and economic challenges in the Arabian Gulf and wider Middle East and North Africa region, emphasizing the need for value-based healthcare solutions.
The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) announced on April 1, 2026, the publication of a special themed section in its journal, Value in Health Regional Issues. This collection of research papers aims to advance value-based healthcare across the Arabian Gulf and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The themed section, guest-edited by Paul Revill, Sara Al-Dallal, and Anderson Stanciole, was featured in the March 2026 issue of the journal.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations—comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—have witnessed significant economic growth over the past few decades, establishing their status among the highest income nations worldwide. However, this prosperity exists alongside challenges within the MENA region, characterized by areas of fragility, conflict, and substantial unmet health needs.
Understanding Value-Based Healthcare in the Region
In their opening commentary, the guest editors noted, “When we launched the call for papers on value-based healthcare in the Arabian Gulf and wider region, our aim was to understand how the region’s dynamic health financing and reform agendas might be catalyzing positive change and expanding healthcare provision both within and across countries. The papers in this themed section describe studies that collectively strengthen the regional evidence base and guide how health economics can inform policies in such complex and rapidly evolving health systems.” This reflects a recognition of the multifaceted nature of healthcare in the region, as well as the need for innovative approaches to address persistent inequalities and health challenges.
Key Topics Explored in the Research
The themed section encompasses nine research papers that focus on three critical topics:
1. Saudi Arabia – A Health System in Transition
Despite its economic strength, Saudi Arabia faces significant challenges in healthcare reform, particularly in managing the economic burden associated with mental health disorders such as schizophrenia. The studies included in this section highlight various aspects of the Saudi healthcare system:
- “Exploring the Dual Dimensions: Economic Burden and Social Support Among Patients With Schizophrenia in Saudi Arabia,” by E Shdaifat, A Alshowkan, and O Alonazi.
- “Navigating the Transition to Value-Based Healthcare in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study of Policy-Maker Perspectives,” by BA Hariri, FM Albagmi, and AA Aljaffary.
- “The Association Between Patient-Reported Experience Measures and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Among Patients With Diabetes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” by N Alsubahi, M Pavlova, AA Alzahrani, A Ahmad, and W Groot.
- “Current Generics Utilization and Associated Savings in Saudi Arabia: Insights From a Private Claims Database,” by S AlGhamdi, IA Aljuffali, AH Aljedai, et al.
- “Budget Impact Analysis of Fam-Trastuzumab-Deruxtecan as a Second Line in Patients With HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer in Oman,” by R Aljaber, RF Al Froukh, and A Al Hashar.
2. An Evolving Picture of Mortality and Health Needs
The research also delves into mortality patterns and health needs across the MENA region, noting the growing rates of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, which vary significantly by country. Notable studies include:
- “Analysis of Mortality Trajectory Patterns in the Middle East and North Africa: Which Diseases Are the Deadliest?” by S Khedhiri.
- “The Economic Burden of Maternal Death in Jordan From 2018 to 2021: Social and Geographic Variations,” by W Zeng, T Gao, E Jarawan, et al.
3. Addressing Determinants of Health
The papers also address broader determinants of health, emphasizing that health challenges extend beyond clinical settings. Key findings include:
- “Scaling-Up Nutrition: A Benefit-Cost and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Increasing Coverage of Nutrition Interventions in the Republic of Yemen,” by LF Qureshy, M Kak, K Friedman, KD Garber, P Kanth, and S Varkey.
- “A Randomized Online Grocery Store Trial to Test a Salient Tiered Food and Beverage Tax in Saudi Arabia,” by S Shin, AM Alqunaibet, R Alsukait, et al.
Recommendations for Future Healthcare Strategies
The guest editors concluded that the studies presented in the themed section underscore several priorities for enhancing value-based healthcare in the GCC and MENA regions. They assert the need for continued investment in health economics research and the establishment of stronger institutional frameworks that incorporate health technology assessment. This dual approach is essential for ensuring that evidence-based practices can sustainably influence health policy.
Moreover, the editors highlight the importance of integrating research to better understand health needs and prioritize effectively. They advocate for shared learning across the region and with the global community, suggesting that collaborative efforts can lead to improved healthcare outcomes and best practices.
About ISPOR and Value in Health Regional Issues
ISPOR is an international, multistakeholder nonprofit dedicated to advancing health economics and outcomes research to improve global health decision-making. The Society serves as a leading source for scientific conferences, peer-reviewed publications, good practices guidance, education, collaboration, and resources in the field. Value in Health Regional Issues is ISPOR’s journal focused on regional advancements in health economics and outcomes research, which is indexed in MEDLINE and reaches over 55,000 readers worldwide.
