UHC Forward: Towards Universal Health Coverage

(Health Systems 20/20) - Approximately 200 global health professionals gathered in Washington, D.C. on July 18 to discuss the future of health systems strengthening and lessons learned during the six years of Health Systems 20/20.

The all-day event, New Perspectives in Health Systems Strengthening, was organized by the Health Systems 20/20, which will produce a final project report in September.

The event’s attendees offered a range of comments about the need to maintain a focus on people, to support local organizations that increase in-country capacity to produce and use health data, and to consider budget crises an opportunity to solve problems by developing new approaches.

“The thinking behind health systems has evolved since Health Systems 20/20 began six years ago," said Project Director Ann Lion. "Each issue we are asked to address at the country level must be approached from a full health systems lens. For example, to ensure a sustainable HIV program, knowing the cost of the program is just a beginning point. We also must develop scenarios that address the country's epidemic, interventions that are vetted and decided by stakeholders, policies regarding future budgets, and human resources, information systems and leadership.”

Presentations covered Health Systems 20/20 project successes in several countries, including rebuilding health care human resources in Cote d’Ivoire, increasing country ownership in Vietnam, and streamlining Kenya’s national health information system.

The event also featured interactive kiosks that allowed attendees to learn more about project innovations, such as the Health Systems Assessment, the HIV/AIDS Program Sustainability Analysis Tool, an e-learning program, and an mhealth tool.

Attendees at the event represented USAID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Johns Hopkins University, Abt’s HS 20/20 partners, and other organizations. Another 100 people participated in the event through a webcast or via Twitter.