Funding, Innovation, Policy Highlights: The Week in Health

This week, the 2026 health budget increased funding for IMSS and IMSS-Bienestar, yet gaps remain for other agencies, leaving public investment below WHO targets. Preventive health measures gain traction with a higher sugar-sweetened beverage tax, while vaccination coverage gaps threaten public health gains. Meanwhile, Mexico City introduces menstrual leave for students. Innovation and collaboration remain central to addressing systemic challenges, as discussed by industry experts during the Mexico Health Summit 2025.

This is The Week in Health!

Mexico’s 2026 Health Budget Rises but Funding Gaps Persist

Mexico’s 2026 health budget will increase to MXN$965 billion (US$53.3 billion), primarily benefiting IMSS and IMSS-Bienestar, while other agencies face cuts. Despite the rise, public health investment remains below WHO recommendations, and high out-of-pocket spending continues to challenge Mexican households.

Mexico Raises Sugar Beverage Tax for Health Funding

Mexico is preparing to increase its excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages as part of a broader effort to reduce chronic disease and strengthen preventive healthcare. The measure, included in the 2026 economic package, raises the levy from MX$1/L (US$0.05/L) introduced in 2014 to MX$3.1/L, with revenue earmarked entirely for health programs.

Vaccine Hesitancy Threatens Public Health Gains

Vaccination has long been a cornerstone of public health policy, protecting individuals from life-threatening diseases and serving as a recognized human and social right, reports Mexico’s Ministry of Health. According to WHO, vaccines can prevent over 30 infections, enabling people of all ages to live longer and healthier lives. Yet, recent data show that coverage gaps remain, threatening to reverse years of progress.

Mexico City Approves Menstrual Leave for Students

Mexico City has approved a reform to its Education Law allowing primary and secondary students to take menstrual leave, enabling absences for severe menstrual pain without academic or disciplinary consequences. The initiative, part of the broader “Menstruación Digna” program, also includes the distribution of menstrual cup kits to students, starting with the 2025–2026 school year.

The Access Equation: Innovation Driving Healthcare Reach

Mexico’s population is being burdened by underspending the healthcare system, which strains the finances of individuals. With high out-of-pocket expenses and uneven access across the country, innovation and collaboration are increasingly seen as key to bridging gaps in coverage and quality of care. Discover what industry experts shared about this topic during Mexico Health Summit 2025.