Content Overview

The catalytic role of health systems strengthening (HSS) for the improvement of populations’ health and the protection against health-related financial risks in low- and middle-income countries is well-documented. During the last few decades international donor and technical agencies intermittently used disease-specific („vertical“) and system-specific („horizontal“) strategies for providing health support to LMICs. While epidemiotic impact of the former has been impressive, sustaining results, due to poorly performing health systems, has been a challenge. The integrated approach has recently emerged as a more effective strategy, which implies designing system-related solutions to address disease-related challenges. This approach has been embedded in the global Sustainable Development Goals framework (SDGs 2016-20130), which places increased emphasis on achieving universal health coverage through improved performance of countries‘ health systems. This course aims to provide participants with the necessary tools to develop and successfully implement HSS interventions in LMICs in order to maximize impact of national disease-control programmes, such as HIV, TB, malaria and maternal & child health

Course Topics

• Overview of health systems and health systems strengthening in LMICs
• Comparative health systems and reforms in LMICs
• Diagnosing gaps in health systems performance
• National health strategy as the entry point for health systems strengthening programs
• How does the health system deliver healthcare? Understanding the supply factors that are necessary for healthcare delivery
• Resources for an effectively performing health system: Human resources, money, data
• How does health systems strengthening maximize the impact of national disease programs?
• Creating enabling partnership environments for health systems strengthening at the national and global levels
• Health systems strengthening in challenging operating environments
• Monitoring and evaluation of HSS programs