In this month's Bulletin

817Bulletin of the World Health Organization | November 2008, 86 (11) In this month’s Bulletin WHO 60th anniversary commemorative volume This month’s special theme is health financing. In an editorial, Guy Carrin et al. (818) give an overview of the key issues in financing health. A second editorial by Prerna Banati and Jean-Paul Moatti (820) examines the positive contributions of global health initiatives. The cover presents a classic public health poster on WHO’s involvement in training personnel to provide health services to communities in need. Public health classic Jacky Mathonnat (905–906) revisits the 1965 article by Herbert A Klarman on the need for government financing of health care. Taxes and aid Phusit Prakongsai et al. (898–901) look at various ways in which countries can secure resources for the health sector. Universal coverage Guy Carrin et al. (857–863) propose a framework to support countries trying to develop equitable health financing systems. User fees Mylene Lagarde and Natasha Palmer (839–848) assess how fees affect the use of health services in low- and middle-income countries. Risks of receiving aid Eleonora Cavagnero et al. (864–870) consider the macroeconomic effect on low-income countries that receive large amounts of aid for health. Debt relief and health M Kaddar and E Furrer (877–883) ask whether debt relief results in more funds for health and a reduction in poverty. Portugal Primary health care Richard Waddington (826–827) reports on progress made in health over three decades. Chile Public–private divide Mireia Bes (825) reports on the search for equity within the health insurance system. United States of America Ready for change This year’s Nobel economics laureate Paul Krugman (828) says in an interview that the US public is ready for health system reform. Mali Priority health care Lynne Miller Franco et al. (830–838) find that members of community- based mutual health organizations are much more likely to use essential health services. England Formula funding Peter C Smith (884–888) provides lessons on decentralization and resource allocation from the National Health Service. Africa Out-of-pocket payments Adam Leive and Ke Xu (849–856) find that many Africans have to borrow and sell assets to pay for health care. Roundtable discussion Joses Muthuri Kirigia and Alimata J Diarra- Nama (889–892) propose strategies for African countries to reduce their dependence on aid. Felix Masiye, Gorik Ooms and Wim Van Damme (893–895) debate this issue. India Devolution for health In an interview, economics professor Michael Tharakan (829) discusses the development of health financing since colonial times. Rwanda Solidarity gains Aimable Twahirwa (823–824) reports on how Rwanda has managed to insure the health of 85% of its population since the genocide and war in 1994. China Big steps Jane Parry and Cui Weiyuan (821–823) report on the country’s efforts to provide universal access to modern health-care services. An editorial by Shanlian Hu (819) also examines the evolution and future goals of health- system reform. Japan & Mongolia Health promotion Dorjsuren Bayarsaikhan (896–897) discusses the use of health promotion and its funding. Ghana, South Africa & the United Republic of Tanzania Fragmented systems Diane E McIntyre et al. (871–876) explore the extent of fragmentation of these health systems. Algeria & Morocco Barriers to reform Driss Zine-Eddine El-Idrissi et al. (902–904) describe attempts at health system reform and the obstacles these countries face.