This Learning Journey aimed to support FCDO’s (formerly DFID’s) understanding, capacity and influence in strengthening health systems to improve the health and well-being amongst the poorest and marginalised in low- and middle-income countries. There was a particular focus on four topics – political economy analysis, strengthening accountability, health financing and universal health coverage (UHC); and two cross-cutting themes – improving quality of care and leave no-one behind.
Coverage is also provided of the ‘evidence review of what works for health systems strengthening, where and when?’ commissioned by FCDO from the ReBUILD and ReSYST research consortia and K4D helpdesk reports will be written to cover supply chain management, health information systems and human resources. This Learning Journey was developed by K4D in collaboration with FCDO and with expert input from a range of partners.
Who was this Learning Journey for?
This Learning Journey is designed for FCDO health advisers, advisers with an interest in health, and staff working in the health sector, who want to update their knowledge and strengthen their competencies and skills on health systems strengthening (HSS).
Learning Journey Outcomes
By the end of the Learning Journey, participating FCDO advisers developed their competencies and skills in advising and influencing national governments, global health institutions and other partners on:
- The strategic planning, implementation and monitoring of interventions to enhance national health policies and strategies for strengthening health systems
- Making compelling evidence-based cases for investments to enhance health
- Appraising the performance of HSS interventions
For more information about this Learning Journey, please contact K4D at [email protected].
*Please note this Learning Journey is now closed*
Learning Journey Activities
Presentation: Health systems strengthening – what is it, how should we assess it, and does it work?
This presentation was delivered as the first activity of the Learning Journey. In this presentation authors Sophie Witter, Dina Balabanova (LSHTM) and Sandra Mounier-Jack (LSHTM) reflect on the process of undertaking the evidence review ‘Evidence review of what works for health systems strengthening, where and when?’ commissioned by FCDO. The evidence review explores what works for HSS and in what contexts, providing an evidence base to support FCDO’s work. In this presentation they also draw out suggestions on definitions of HSS and approaches to assessment, as well as summarising some key conclusions from the current evidence base.
In addition to the presentation there is also a short interview with lead author Sophie Witter (Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh). In this video she outlines the key findings from the review, the complexity of the health system, the value and impact of health systems research more generally, and recommendations for FCDO staff and other donors.
Both videos are also available as a HEART Talks page.
Learning Sessions
This Learning Journey has online Learning Sessions designed to provide ideas and information on topics that fall within the remit of the Learning Journey. They bring experts together with staff from FCDO and other government departments, and involve a combination of content delivery with trainee participation and interaction. Links to more information and resources on the Sessions can be found below.
Session 1 – Political economy analysis
29 April 2020, 10:30 – 12:30 BST
Session 2 – Improving Quality of Care
13 July 2020, 13:00 – 15:30 BST
Session 3 – Strengthening accountability to improve health outcomes
10 September 2020, 13:00 – 15:30 BST
Session 4 – Health financing priorities in the time of COVID-19?
12 October 2020, 10:00 – 12:30 BST
Session 5 – Engaging private health providers in the COVID-19 era
15 December 2020, 10:00-12:30 GMT
Session 6 – Leaving No-One Behind in Universal Health Coverage
3 February 2021, 10:00-12:30 GMT
Session 7 – Complexity of Health Systems
25 March 2021, 10:00 – 12:30 GMT
Resource Toolkit
What Works for Health Systems Strengthening: An Overview of the Evidence – Resource Toolkit
Kim Ozano, Sophie Witter, Jo Keatinge, Beth Scott, Nicola Wardrop
Key contacts
