Health governance is foundational to strengthening health systems around the world, but it’s something that many development practitioners struggle to conceptualize. We acknowledge it as important, but we don’t always know how to influence it. In this episode, we’ll talk about why governance is so difficult, consider how to apply a governance lens, and learn from an example of HFG’s governance work in Vietnam. The Health Finance and Governance (HFG) project is a six-year project funded by...

As countries strive to achieve universal health coverage, they must implement health insurance systems or other types of financial protection programs that protect against financial risk and improve access to quality and affordable health care. In this episode, we’ll introduce the major insurance models being implemented around the world, discuss some of the specific challenges LIMCs face, and learn about what two countries are doing to create an insurance system that is equitable, efficient,...

The digital revolution can offer solutions to many health system constraints: increasing access to information in far flung villages, speeding information to decision-makers in real-time, giving over-burdened health workers tools for training, case management, and support; mobilizing communities to hold governments accountable for quality services. But how can development practitioners realize these positive outcomes? Find out in this episode. The Health Finance and Governance (HFG) project...

What happens to health systems in low- and middle-income countries when big international donors change their plans, while demand for health services within the country continue to rise? This episode explores the concept of Domestic Resource Mobilization--DRM--a timely issue that the HFG Project has been working on over the last few years. The Health Finance and Governance (HFG) project is a six-year project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development under Cooperative Agreement...

This podcast seeks to provide knowledge and perspectives on health finance and governance, critical challenges for health systems strengthening and reform. We are public health professionals working in low- and middle- income countries to support systems strengthening and ultimately, to improve health for the poorest, most vulnerable people around the world. This first episode aims to help listeners appreciate why health finance and governance must be addressed when working to improve health...