Joint Learning Network for Universal Health Coverage: A New Modality for Developing Capacity and Improving Practice
This session will introduce a new learning network (the JLN), a ten country network that is aimed at supporting LMICs efforts to advance efforts towards attaining UHC. The session will address the underlying logic behind the founding of the JLN, which attempts to create a structured space for south-south learning among senior technocrats and policymakers in LMICs. It aims to build skills, foster improved practice, and build community among countries. The hypotheses underpinning the JLN are: a) there is a lot of existing knowledge among LMIC actors that is not effectively leveraged or shared, b) that policy reforms like UHC are inherently unpredictable and "lumpy" in nature, and c) that political commitment to UHC is a necessary but insufficient condition for effectively implementing it- technical skills in a variety of areas of health financing must also be fostered and deepened. The JLN's value proposition to members is that it complements, but does not substitute for, other existing in-country and/or donor-driven learning processes. The current management arrangements are focused on creating distributed ownership of the network, with a secretariat composed of six organizations, and four technical learning tracks (provider payment, IT, expanding coverage, and quality). In addition, an on-demand learning fund has been established that all member countries can draw upon for ad-hoc joint learning efforts. The current challenges include the fact that it is still new, and "results" in this type of work are both hard to measure and take time to realize. In addition, deepening ownership among members and fostering more organic cooperation and interaction remain primary goals in the near-term future.
Stefan Nachuk has been an Associate Director with the Rockefeller Foundation since February 2007, and is based in Bangkok, Thailand. In this role, he is focused upon developing an initiative on the role of transforming health systems globally, with specific components focusing on strategic capacity building, leveraging the private sector, and developing a Joint Learning Network for Universal Health Coverage. This work focuses both on support to a small number of countries, as well as regional capacity building and networking.
Gina Lagomarsino is a Managing Director at Results for Development Institute (R4D) with a focus on health system design and financing. She leads work aimed at expanding health coverage in low and middle income countries, with a particular interest in how to create vibrant health markets that include high-quality, innovative private care providers that are accessible to people regardless of income.
Carolyn Bancroft joined the Rockefeller Foundation in 2011. As an Associate on the transforming health systems initiative, Ms. Bancroft manages relationships with current and prospective grantees throughout the grant-making process, coordinates Foundation work with partners, and conducts research in support of the strategic development and execution of work. Within the health initiative, Carolyn focuses on work related to eHealth, leveraging the private sector and the Joint Learning Network for Universal Health Coverage.
Admission: Free and open to all with no ticket required. Entry is on a first come, first served basis.
Venue: LG6, LSHTM, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
Contact: Dina Balabanova Email: Dina.Balabanova@lshtm.ac.uk