Training course on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through Social Health Protection

Training Course on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through Social Health Protection 

Introduction

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through Social Health Protection is a paramount global objective, aiming to ensure that all people have access to the quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without suffering financial hardship. At its core, UHC is about equity, solidarity, and the fundamental human right to health. Social health protection, encompassing various financing and pooling mechanisms like social health insurance and tax-based systems, serves as the primary pathway to achieving this ambitious goal. It moves beyond fragmented, out-of-pocket payment models to establish sustainable and equitable health financing systems that protect individuals from catastrophic health expenditures and promote access to a full continuum of essential services, from health promotion and prevention to treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.

Training Course on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through Social Health Protection is meticulously designed to equip with the advanced theoretical insights and intensive practical tools necessary to excel in Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through Social Health Protection. We will delve into the foundational concepts of UHC and its three dimensions (population, services, financial protection), master the intricacies of designing and implementing various social health protection models, and explore cutting-edge approaches to financing, benefit package design, digital health, and governance. A significant focus will be placed on understanding legal and policy frameworks, fostering multi-sectoral coordination, ensuring equity and non-discrimination, and navigating the practical challenges of extending coverage and ensuring quality in diverse contexts, including fragile and crisis-affected settings. By integrating interdisciplinary perspectives, analyzing real-world complex case studies, and engaging in hands-on policy analysis and simulation exercises, attendees will develop the strategic acumen to confidently champion and implement UHC through social health protection, fostering unparalleled access, equity, and health outcomes for all.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze the fundamental concepts of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and its three dimensions.
2. Comprehend the strategic importance and potential of Social Health Protection (SHP) as the primary pathway to UHC.
3. Master the principles and components of different models of SHP (e.g., social health insurance, tax-based systems).
4. Develop expertise in assessing and designing sustainable financing mechanisms for UHC.
5. Formulate strategies for defining and prioritizing essential health benefit packages and service delivery models.
6. Understand the critical role of equity, non-discrimination, and financial protection in UHC implementation.
7. Implement robust approaches to data, information systems, and digital health for UHC monitoring and delivery.
8. Explore key governance, regulation, and accountability frameworks for social health protection.
9. Apply methodologies for linking social health protection with other social protection branches for holistic well-being.
10. Develop strategies for human resources for health (HRH) planning and management to support UHC.
11. Analyze the challenges and opportunities of achieving UHC in fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCAS) and emergencies.
12. Design a preliminary UHC strategy through Social Health Protection for a specific country context.
13. Examine global best practices and lessons learned from successful UHC journeys.

Target Audience

This course is essential for professionals working on health policy, social protection, and public finance:

1. Health Policymakers & Program Managers: Designing and implementing national health strategies.
2. Social Protection Program Managers: Focusing on social security and social assistance.
3. Public Finance Experts & Health Economists: Analyzing health budgets and financing models.
4. Social Security Administrators: Managing health insurance schemes.
5. Government Officials: From ministries of health, finance, social welfare, and planning.
6. UN Agency Representatives: From WHO, ILO, UNICEF, UNDP, World Bank.
7. Civil Society Organizations: Advocating for health rights and UHC.
8. Researchers & Academics: Studying health systems and policy.

Course Duration: 10 Days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

• Define UHC: ensuring access to quality health services without financial hardship.
• Discuss the three dimensions of UHC: population coverage, service coverage, and financial protection.
• Explore the global commitment to UHC as a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3.8).
• Analyze the ethical and human rights imperative for UHC.
• Overview of global progress and challenges in achieving UHC.

Module 2: Foundations of Social Health Protection

• Define social health protection (SHP) and its role in UHC.
• Discuss the principles of risk pooling, solidarity, and equitable financing in SHP.
• Explore the benefits of SHP: reducing out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures, improving access, enhancing health outcomes.
• Differentiate SHP from other health financing mechanisms (e.g., private insurance, direct payments).
• Introduce the ILO's Social Protection Floors Recommendation, 2012 (No. 202) and its relevance to health.

Module 3: Different Models of Social Health Protection

• Master the characteristics and operational modalities of various SHP models:
• Social Health Insurance (SHI): Mandatory contributions, payroll-based.
• Tax-Based Systems: Funded through general government revenue.
• Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI): Voluntary, community-managed schemes.
• Hybrid Models: Combining elements of different approaches.
• Analyze the strengths, weaknesses, and applicability of each model in diverse country contexts.
• Discuss the political economy considerations in choosing and reforming SHP models.
• Case studies of countries implementing different SHP models.

Module 4: Financing Universal Health Coverage

• Explore the three core functions of health financing: revenue raising, pooling of funds, and purchasing of services.
• Discuss various revenue sources for UHC: general taxation, social contributions, external aid.
• Strategies for enhancing fiscal space for health and ensuring progressive financing.
• Analyze different pooling arrangements to maximize redistribution and financial protection.
• Practical exercise: assessing health financing options for a given country scenario.

Module 5: Designing Benefit Packages and Service Delivery

• Formulate strategies for defining and prioritizing an essential health benefit package for UHC.
• Discuss criteria for inclusion/exclusion of services (e.g., cost-effectiveness, burden of disease, equity).
• Explore different service delivery models: primary health care (PHC) as the foundation, hospital care, specialized services.
• Ensuring quality of care, patient safety, and responsiveness of health services.
• Case studies of benefit package design and service delivery reforms.

Module 6: Equity and Non-Discrimination in Social Health Protection

• Understand the critical role of equity and non-discrimination in UHC.
• Analyze how SHP can address health inequities based on socio-economic status, gender, age, disability, ethnicity, and geography.
• Discuss strategies for identifying and overcoming barriers to access for marginalized and vulnerable groups.
• Implementing policies and programs that promote equitable service coverage and financial protection.
• Ensuring a human rights-based approach to UHC.

Module 7: Data, Information Systems, and Digital Health

• The critical importance of robust health information systems for UHC planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Discuss strategies for collecting, analyzing, and using disaggregated data to track UHC progress and identify inequities.
• Explore the role of digital health technologies (e.g., telemedicine, electronic health records, mobile health) in expanding access and improving efficiency.
• Addressing challenges related to data quality, interoperability, cybersecurity, and digital divide.
• Case studies of digital health innovations supporting UHC.

Module 8: Governance, Regulation, and Accountability

• Principles of good governance in social health protection systems.
• Discuss the roles and responsibilities of government agencies, regulatory bodies, and oversight institutions.
• Exploring mechanisms for public participation, transparency, and accountability to citizens and service users.
• Analyzing the regulatory frameworks for health service providers, pharmaceuticals, and health technology.
• Case studies of governance reforms for UHC.

Module 9: Linking Social Health Protection with Other Social Protection Branches

• Explore the synergies between social health protection and other social protection branches (e.g., cash transfers, unemployment benefits, pensions).
• Discuss how integrated social protection can enhance holistic well-being and resilience.
• Strategies for linking health-related social protection (e.g., cash transfers for health, sickness benefits).
• Analyzing the benefits of a "whole-of-social-protection" approach to UHC.
• Case studies of integrated social protection systems.

Module 10: Human Resources for Health (HRH) and Health Workforce Planning

• The critical role of a sufficient, skilled, well-distributed, and motivated health workforce for UHC.
• Discuss strategies for HRH planning, production, recruitment, retention, and equitable distribution.
• Addressing challenges related to health worker shortages, maldistribution, and brain drain.
• Exploring innovative models of care delivery and task shifting.
• Investing in continuous professional development and supportive work environments for HRH.

Module 11: UHC in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings (FCAS) and Emergencies

• Analyzing the unique challenges of achieving UHC in FCAS and during humanitarian emergencies.
• Discuss strategies for maintaining essential health services and protecting health workers in crises.
• Exploring adaptive financing mechanisms and partnerships in volatile environments.
• The role of social health protection in building resilience and supporting recovery in FCAS.
• Case studies of UHC initiatives in complex humanitarian contexts.

Module 12: Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Future Trends

• Designing robust M&E frameworks to track UHC progress across its three dimensions.
• Developing indicators to measure service coverage, financial protection, and equity.
• Establishing feedback loops for continuous learning, adaptation, and evidence-based policy-making.
• Exploring emerging trends and innovations shaping the future of UHC (e.g., climate change impacts, aging populations, new technologies).
• Developing a roadmap for sustained political commitment and investment towards UHC.

 

Training Methodology

• Interactive Workshops: Facilitated discussions, group exercises, and problem-solving activities.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples to illustrate successful community-based surveillance practices.
• Role-Playing and Simulations: Practice engaging communities in surveillance activities.
• Expert Presentations: Insights from experienced public health professionals and community leaders.
• Group Projects: Collaborative development of community surveillance plans.
• Action Planning: Development of personalized action plans for implementing community-based surveillance.
• Digital Tools and Resources: Utilization of online platforms for collaboration and learning.
• Peer-to-Peer Learning: Sharing experiences and insights on community engagement.
• Post-Training Support: Access to online forums, mentorship, and continued learning resources.

 

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally recognized certifica