Special Session on Implementation Research and Universal Health Coverage
The Accelerator organized a special session on July 9, 2024, as part of the 2024 Health Systems Strengthening Learning Series to advance knowledge about USAID’s Health Systems Strengthening Learning Agenda. The session explored implementation research’s (IR) vital role in improving equity in health systems strengthening activities. The session provided critical insights into how IR can support policymakers, implementers, and stakeholders in improving health systems to deliver more equitable, high-quality preventive, promotive, and curative health services.
Session Highlights:
Discover how IR has been an essential tool for program partners and country counterparts in Georgia, Ghana, and Indonesia in this summary brief. Other resources include:
Learning Objectives:
Learn how IR helps identify and address root causes of program challenges, consider contextual factors affecting access for specific populations, and support the scale-up of effective interventions.
- Gain an overview of how IR can accelerate and improve UHC interventions, focusing on accessibility, equity, and sustainability.
- Receive recommendations for engaging stakeholders in IR to enhance equity and inclusion.
- Learn best practices for disseminating and communicating IR results to facilitate their uptake.
Speakers:
Dr. Rachel Marcus, DrPH, Senior Health Systems Strengthening Advisor, Office of Health Systems, USAID
Opening remarks and moderation of panel and discussion with Q&A.
Dr. Ama Pokuaa Fenny, PhD, Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana
Panelist
The Ghana Health Service and the USAID-Accelerator project researched how Networks of Practice (NOPs) can promote community-level health equity. The study used mixed methods to examine care-seeking behaviors and perceptions of NOP service quality, revealing disparities in access and satisfaction in poorer communities. The findings suggest adding support like referral transportation could improve the NOP model's impact on health equity.
Ms. Alisa Tsuladze, MPH, Curatio International Foundation, Georgia
Panelist
CIF investigated the initial implementation of a new initiative aimed at reducing financial barriers for certain rehabilitation services under Georgia’s Universal Healthcare Program. The study identified ways to strengthen the program. As a result, Georgia’s health ministry adopted these recommendations, making the program more inclusive and responsive to the population's needs.
Ms. Astara Lubis, MA, Program Director, Indonesia, Results for Development
Panelist
The Government of Indonesia commissioned the USAID Health Financing Activity to implement a Strategic Health Purchasing Pilot for Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) to enhance service quality in two districts. The pilot employed inclusive approaches to improve public and private primary healthcare providers' performance and utilized a real-time monitoring system and troubleshooting tool to address risks, resolve technical issues, and refine policy. Focus group discussions assessed the pilot's acceptance, feasibility, suitability, adoption, and compliance, enabling early detection of gaps in district-level regulations and enhancing the pilot's capacity to deliver equitable, high-quality MNH care.
