IHE has long experience of working with health economic issues in developing countries. This area of work includes analysis of resource flows, priority setting, financing options, reimbursement systems and access to health and medical services are conducted with the purpose of strengthening health systems in these countries. Projects are often carried out in close collaboration with health ministries, local researchers, international organisations and donor agencies.

One example of a project is an institutional collaboration between IHE, the department of economics at University of Zambia and the ministry of health in Zambia during 1994-2006. This project was financed by the Swedish development cooperation agency (Sida) and contributed to improving the health economic competence in Zambia. Another example of a project in this area, supported by Sida, is IHEs work with National Health Accounts (NHA) during 2002-2007. Within the frame of this project IHE was involved in the development of an NHA producers guide, studied the use of NHA in different countries and organised and participated in several regional and international conferences and meetings. Moreover IHE has conducted several case studies in Sub-Saharan Africa regarding financing and policy implementation in the health sector.