Global Health Conversations
Global Health Conversations explores the most important topics in the worlds of public health, medicine, science and development. From infectious diseases to scientific career paths and healthcare policy, Global Health Conversations are nuanced discussions covering topics impacting global public health with informed and researched positions. Guests share their stories, research findings, and solutions to some of the most pressing health challenges facing our world today. Join the conversation. Read more: https://globalhealthwriter.com/2023/03/13/global-health-conversations-podcast-launches-april-2023/
Global Health Conversations
#11: Universal Health Coverage: Health Systems Strengthening, Tech Transfer & Local Manufacturing of Vaccines & Biologics (Part 2)
Timestamps:
Intro & Update: 01:36
Health Systems strengthening: 5:07
Local manufacturing: 19:19
Read the Newsletter here
Summary:
This week’s episode provides a high level summary of important pillars in health systems strengthening and provides background on the move to manufacture vaccines and biologics regionally in Africa and beyond.
Listen to Part 1 here: Universal Health Coverage: No-one Left Behind & Financial Protection (Part 1)
Resources:
- Tracking universal health coverage: 2023 global monitoring report
- Brookings Op-ed: Africa must produce its own vaccines
- The Guardian: South Africa launches ‘unprecedented’ investigation of Johnson & Johnson over TB drug prices
- Health Systems Strengthening points:
1. Health Service Delivery
2. Health Workforce Development - health workforce has been a cornerstone of discussions
3. Health Infrastructure and Equipment:
4. Health Information Systems:
5. Health Financing:
- Develop sustainable and equitable financing mechanisms, such as taxation, health insurance, and social health protection schemes, to ensure that healthcare services are affordable and accessible to all, regardless of income.
- Reduce out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare, which can lead to financial hardship.
6. Governance and Leadership:
- Strengthen the governance and leadership of health systems by improving policies, regulations, and management structures.
- Enhance transparency and accountability to prevent corruption and mismanagement.
7. Community Engagement and Empowerment:
- Involve communities in decision-making processes and encourage them to actively participate in their own health care.
- Promote health education and awareness to empower individuals to make informed health choices.
8. Collaboration across sectors:
- Recognize that health outcomes are influenced by factors beyond the healthcare sector, such as education, sanitation, nutrition, and economic conditions.
- Foster collaboration with other sectors to address these social determinants of health.
9. Research and Innovation:
- Encourage research and innovation to continuously improve the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare services.
- Promote the adoption of evidence-based practices and technologies.
10. Emergency Preparedness and Response:
- Strengthen the health system's ability to respond to public health emergencies and disasters, ensuring that it can provide essential services even during crises.
11. Equity and Inclusivity:
- Ensure that vulnerable and marginalized populations, including those in remote or conflict-affected areas, have equitable access to healthcare services.
12. Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Establish mechanisms to regularly monitor and evaluate the performance of the health system in achieving UHC goals and make necessary adjustments.