Policy options for strengthening and transforming health systems in the Americas

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted health, life, livelihoods, and conditions for development in the Region of the Americas. It has exposed, exacerbated, and created structural challenges for health systems, affecting their response capacity and resulting in public health. To address these challenges, in 2021, PAHO Member States adopted the “” and requested that the Organization provide technical cooperation to Member States to strengthen capacities and promote regional cooperation and dialogue and the sharing of knowledge and experiences.

The resolution approved by the States emphasizes the need to transform health systems based on a primary health care approach (PHC)[1]; to strengthen leadership, stewardship, and governance through a renewed focus on the essential public health functions (EPHF); to strengthen capacities of health service delivery networks to expand access, and to increase and sustain public financing in health and social protection. In this way, the resolution provides a framework to address these challenges while encouraging Member States to renew their commitment to the recommendations of the ”[2] and the 30-30-30 Compact: Primary Health Care for Universal Health[3].

Several regional experiences, tools, and lessons have emerged about these four strategic aspects for transforming health systems. To facilitate exchange and respond to the mandate received from the countries, PAHO presents a series of virtual seminars that will take place between August and December 2022.

Objectives

To convene high-level decision-makers and international experts in open dialogue and reflection on strategies for transforming andtrengthening health systems that allow for improved resilience.
To address the experiences and lessons learned from initiatives aimed at developing stewardship and governance capacities, financing with an emphasis on PHC, access to health services, strengthening governance for service delivery networks, social participation, and the regulatory capabilities of the private sector.
Synthesize critical messages for strengthening health systems that arise from the exchange between panelists and participants and offer a synthesis of the policy options through a report or policy brief based on the seminar.

Target audience

National actors and institutions involved in health systems governance in the region (e.g., Ministries of Health, Ministries of Economy, social security institutions, health supervisors, administrators of national public funds, and user representatives).
International actors related to supporting agendas for transformation and strengthening health systems in the Americas region.
Professionals and technicians are responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating health policies at different levels.
Representatives and members of community groups and civil society.
Academic community from Schools of Public Health, universities, and collaborating centers of PAHO in the Americas region.
Technicians and professional staff from PAHO and WHO are based at country offices, regional centers, and headquarters.

Scheduled webinars