On June 24th, HFACT partners and colleagues travelled to sunny São Paulo, Brazil, for our 2026 Annual Meeting. Over three days at the Radisson Hotel Paulista, researchers, institutional partners, and policymakers got together to advance the conversation on health financing, equity, and how we can use evidence to build better health systems.
Day 1: Legacy and Knowledge Translation
We kicked things off with a look into the “HFACT Legacy”. It was a great opportunity for each partner, IEPS, Fipe, PRICELESS SA, CHEPS, Imperial, York, and IEG to present the most significant findings from their research. We spent the day diving into shared global challenges, from decentralisation and state capacity to ensuring that no groups are left behind.
One of the big takeaways was that increased healthcare spending doesn’t always automatically reduce inequalities—it takes deliberate design, effective allocation and good governance to make it work. We also brainstormed how to weave our individual insights into a “Strategic Synthesis” that tells the full HFACT story.
After a productive day, we gathered in the evening to watch the Brazil v Scotland World Cup match, a fantastic way to relax and connect with colleagues.
Day 2: Innovative Research and Brazil’s Journey to UHC
Thursday morning was focussed on Responsive Fund projects. IEG shared a fascinating qualitative look at the political economy in India, while PRICELESS SA walked us through incorporating equity into health benefit package designs in South Africa. We also heard from CHEPS on financial and actuarial cost modelling for UHC and a sneak peek of the upcoming projects from our Brazilian hosts, IEPS and Fipe.
In the afternoon, was the eagerly anticipated session, looking at Brazil’s journey to UHC. We were joined by guests from the Ministry of Health and IPEA to discuss the macroeconomic hurdles facing health financing. We also heard from regional leaders in Mato Grosso do Sul, the Amazon, and São Paulo who provided the state perspective and local realities.
It was fascinating to hear how much context matters—delivering healthcare in the vast Amazon region presents a completely different set of challenges compared to a massive metropolitan hub like São Paulo.
We wrapped up the day with a lovely group dinner at the hotel, celebrating the rich exchange of ideas.
Day 3: Future Plans and the Road Ahead
On our final day, we enjoyed in-depth research presentations from Imperial, IEG, IEPS, and Fipe.
We finished the conference with a “Wrap up & Looking beyond” session, where we discussed our future plans as the project enters its final phase.
As we said our goodbyes, the big reflection was that HFACT has delivered much more than just data—it’s provided a roadmap for why financing does (or doesn’t) translate into equitable, resilient healthcare. We left São Paulo reinforced in the belief that governance, equity, and resilience are the three pillars that make health a right for everyone.
A huge thank you to our Brazilian partners at Fipe and IEPS for being such incredible hosts!