Typology of Health Systems in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region

Mohammadi, Kosar

doi:10.22034/qjo.2026.512119.1412

Typology of Health Systems in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Kosar Mohammadi

PhD student in Social Welfare, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/qjo.2026.512119.1412

Abstract

Purpose:Typology of health systems provides an important framework for understanding structural and performance differences across countries’ health systems. Despite extensive research in this field, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has received relatively limited attention in typological studies. The aim of this study is to classify health systems in the MENA region based on key health indicators and to examine Iran’s position within this classification.
Method: This study is descriptive–analytical in nature and employs the K-means clustering method, an unsupervised machine learning technique, to identify patterns among countries. The statistical population consists of 24 MENA countries, and the analysis is conducted using 10 quantitative health system indicators covering financial, structural, institutional, and outcome dimensions.
Findings: The clustering results indicate that the countries can be grouped into four main categories: (1) advanced countries with strong healthcare systems and excellent health indicators (Malta and Israel); (2) wealthy countries with high health indicators (Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates); (3) developing countries with moderate health indicators (Iran, Iraq, Algeria, etc.); and (4) low-income countries with poor health indicators (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Significant differences are observed across clusters in terms of health expenditure, healthcare infrastructure, and health outcomes.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that health systems in the MENA region face diverse challenges. While some countries have achieved positive health outcomes, others struggle with serious issues due to limited resources and unfavorable economic conditions. The findings can assist policymakers in improving health systems and promoting equity in access to healthcare services.

Keywords

Welfare State

Typology

MENA Region

Health Systems