Lauren Oliveira Hashiguchi, Maeve Conlin, Dawn Roberts, Kathleen McGee, Robert Marten, Stefan Nachuk, Ali Ghufron Mukti, Aditi Nigam, Naina Ahluwalia, Somil Nagpal Health Policy and Planning, Volume 39, Issue Supplement_1, January 2024, Pages i125–i130, https://doi.org/10.1093/heapol/czad097 Published: 23 January 2024 Abstract As countries transition from external assistance while pursuing ambitious plans to achieve universal health coverage (UHC), there is an increasing need to facilitate knowledge sharing and learning among them. Country-led and country-owned knowledge management is foundational to sustainable, more equitable external assistance for health and is a useful complement to more conventional capacity-building modalities provided under external assistance. In the context of external assistance, few initiatives use country-to-country sharing of practitioner experiences, and link learning to receiving guidance on how to adapt, apply and sustain policy changes. Dominant knowledge exchange processes are didactic, implicitly assuming static technical needs, and that practitioners in low- and middle-income countries require problem-specific, time-bound solutions. In reality, the technical challenges of achieving UHC and the group of policymakers involved continuously evolve. This paper aims to explore factors which are supportive of experience-based knowledge exchange between practitioners from diverse settings, drawing from the experience of the Joint Learning Network (JLN) for UHC—a global network of practitioners and policymakers sharing experiences about common challenges to develop and implement knowledge products supporting reforms for UHC—as an illustration of a peer-to-peer learning approach. This paper considers: (1) an analysis of JLN monitoring and evaluation data between 2020 and 2023 and (2) a qualitative inquiry to explore policymakers’ engagement with the JLN using semi-structured interviews (n = 14) with stakeholders from 10 countries. The JLN’s experience provides insights to factors that contribute to successful peer-to-peer learning approaches. JLN relies on engaging a network of practitioners with diverse experiences who organically identify and pursue a common learning agenda. Meaningful peer-to-peer learning requires dynamic, structured interactions, and alignment with windows of opportunity for implementation that enable rapid response to emerging and timely issues. Peer-to-peer learning can facilitate in-country knowledge sharing, learning and catalyse action at the institutional and health system levels. Here is the artcle: https://academic.oup.com/heapol/article/39/Supplement_1/i125/7578675?login=false

James M Soki, Rahul S Reddy Kadarpeta, Vrishali Shekhar, Titus Kisangau  The Joint Learning Network for Universal Health Coverage (JLN) stands as a pioneering force, uniting practitioners and policymakers worldwide in a collaborative effort to transform health systems. Within the realms of this innovative, country-driven network, global knowledge products are meticulously co-developed, especially to cater to middle- and low-income countries. These products serve as a powerful bridge, seamlessly connecting theoretical frameworks to practical applications, with a shared vision of extending health coverage to over 3 billion individuals across the globe.   We have recently conducted an analysis of publicly available JLN’s knowledge products (KPs) to gain insights into the most frequently accessed resources.  We delved into the content management system of the JLN website, aiming to pinpoint tools, toolkits, guides, manuals, and handbooks that not only align with UHC/PHC priorities but also have attracted significant interest from our website users. This analysis focused on website data available for the year 2023. We observed that 400 unique users accessed the KPs. Below, we present a list of our most (more than 75% of users) accessed and downloaded KPs. However, it’s important to note that this compilation is not exhaustive, and all the JLN ‘s KPs can be accessed here.   UHC Primary Health Care Self-Assessment Tool: The JLN Primary Health Care (PHC) Initiative developed this tool to underscore the fundamental role of Primary Health Care (PHC) as the bedrock for implementing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) reforms in any given country. This tool serves as a valuable resource, offering countries the opportunity to conduct self-assessments of their progress towards achieving UHC and PHC goals. Featuring a comprehensive multi-stakeholder survey, the tool is designed to document and assess the intricate interactions between health insurance or financial coverage institutions and other essential PHC actors and programs. Its primary purpose is to assist countries in identifying key areas for improvement and to pinpoint opportunities for aligning health financing strategies with the PHC goals set by policymakers. Noteworthy is the successful pilot implementation of the tool in diverse settings, including India, Indonesia, Ghana, and Malaysia, which effectively demonstrated its functionality and applicability. 

Rahul S Reddy Kadarpeta and Mahlet Gizaw As we transition into 2024, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) stands as a formidable force in global health, catalyzing substantial progress toward the overarching goal of health for all, with an unwavering commitment to inclusivity. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of building robust and resilient health systems that are 1) prepared for future pandemics, 2) able to deliver health services, including essential services that are unrelated to pandemics, and 3) ensure UHC where all have equitable access to these services. Across nations worldwide, global health stakeholders are undertaking concerted efforts to align priorities and pursue the ideals of UHC. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the journey to UHC for many countries. According to the WHO, while the global UHC service coverage index increased from 45 to 68 between 2000 and 2021, the increase between 2015 and 2021 was only 3 index points with no change since 2019. As of 2021, 92% of countries still report the disruption of essential services such as routine immunization; in the same year, an estimated 25 million children under five (5)years missed out on routine immunization. In times like this, a platform like the Joint Learning Network for UHC (JLN) presents a valuable opportunity for country practitioners to learn from each other with the objectives of co-developing and implementing solutions to common challenges and pain points related to UHC. Commencing with six founding nations in 2009—Ghana, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam—the JLN has expanded its reach to encompass 37 member countries. The JLN has evolved into a dynamic and influential entity over the past 14 years, uniting practitioners, and policymakers from diverse corners of the globe for peer-to-peer learning. The goal of this collaborative network is to co-develop global knowledge products that effectively bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical implementations, propelling UHC objectives and advancements- The success of the JLN is deeply rooted in its country-led and country-driven approach.  80% of the seats on the steering group, which govern the JLN, are occupied by country representatives elected by the JLN member countries. JLN’s commitment to country ownership extends to a participatory approach, wherein representatives from participating countries define and agree upon goals, and then, impactful initiatives and learning activities are customized to align with those priorities. JLN also works closely with in-country stakeholder groups drawn from key ministries and institutions in the government (designated as country core group), the private sector, civil society, and development partners to make sure that representatives who are nominated to participate in JLN activities are a good fit (i.e. they are in an active role in making decisions and/or implementing policies related to the topics covered in the JLN activities). JLN relies on communication with these stakeholder groups to understand the country-specific technical priorities and local landscapes relevant to UHC. This strategic orientation has garnered support from key global health entities such as the Rockefeller Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), the World Bank, and various other collaborative partners. As the JLN continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of global health, its collaborative endeavors stand as a testament to the enduring vision of achieving comprehensive health coverage on a global scale. Collectively, JLN members and participants have co-produced over 45 knowledge products to-date. 30 countries are known to have applied some of these knowledge products.  Applications of JLN products have contributed to meaningful changes across many of these countries. In Kenya, country representatives  customized the JLN’s manual for costing provider payments to collect data at the county referral hospital in Makueni County. The team found that the reimbursement model used in the county was not sustainable and lobbied to change the county-wide reimbursement model. This shift was adopted by the Makueni County Department of Health in the 2019/2020 fiscal year impacting the reimbursement model for all 333 health facilities with a catchment population of just under 1 million Kenyan people. In Mongolia, country representatives co-developed and applied a JLN tool on empanelment to embed a household-based empanelment approach to a WHO-sponsored mobile health technology project used for home visits. The approach resulted in new assignments of primary health care providers for 20% of residents in Arkhangai province. The team plans to scale the approach beyond the most geographically isolated target populations. In India and Ghana, the representatives used the JLN’s tool on medical audits to implement a medical audit system as part of their programs  providing financial protection to about 100 million families. The team enhanced the system in India to include standard treatment guidelines that could be decentralized and scaled by India’s states to review claims, identify fraud, and ensure the quality of health services provided to patients. Since the rollout of the medical audit system, the program team has seen positive behavior changes among providers and hospitals. The profound influence of JLN resonates at various global health conventions, as its representatives empower member countries to share their narratives and triumphs in the journey toward UHC. JLN’s knowledge products plays a transformative role in shaping the UHC agenda, by amplifying the voices of nations ardently pursuing UHC and sharing successful country-driven strategies being implemented. In the grand pursuit of UHC, JLN paints a portrait of collective ambition and accomplishment. Yet, significant gaps persist within this effort, fueled by the intricate tapestry of diverse country contexts and the evolving needs of a post-pandemic era. In the face of these challenges, the Joint Learning Network for UHC (JLN) emerges, directing its focus toward pivotal areas crucial for UHC implementation in member countries. These encompass the realms of financing and equity, digital health, health emergency preparedness, climate change, and foundational reforms for the financing and delivery of primary healthcare. As we navigate the path towards UHC by 2030, the JLN stands unwavering in its commitment to a mission that transcends challenges. It remains a steadfast provider of a platform for knowledge exchange, a catalyst for innovation, and a

Authors:  Mahlet Gizaw, Amanda Folsom, Luis Gabriel Bernal Pulido   Additional contributions to this blog were made by Alberta Adjebeng Biritwum-Nyarko, Linda A. Vanotoo, Martin Lutalo, and Marelize Gorgens.   As countries work to achieve universal health coverage by improving access to and utilization of essential health services for their populations, many are undertaking health system transformations to prioritize and strengthen primary health care (PHC). A growing number of countries are designing and implementing primary care networks (PCN) to strengthen PHC financing and delivery and ultimately improve access to and utilization of care, a process that can be supported through shared knowledge and peer-to-peer learning. PCNs are horizontal networks of collaborating primary care providers working together to provide quality primary care to patients in a coordinated approach. As part of its partnership with the Joint Learning Network for Universal Health Coverage (JLN) and facilitated by Results for Development (R4D), the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI) led a Learning Exchange focused on implementing and measuring the performance of primary care networks between March and November 2022. The learning exchange had three key objectives: Convene country teams and individual health care professionals from across disciplines in cross-country virtual learning to identify and adapt best and promising practices in the implementation and measurement of PCNs,  Provide access to lessons and resources and apply timely, relevant experience and expertise for the implementation of PCNs, and Provide peer problem-solving support for PHC needs.   Implementation case teams from Colombia, Ghana, and Kenya participated along with over 80 peer learners from government and civil society organizations across 25 countries.  In response to country demand, the JLN’s Reimagining Primary Health Care Collaborative held a virtual session on June 7th, 2023, to share reflections on the 2022 PCNs Learning Exchange. Participants shared PCN implementation experiences from Colombia, Costa Rica, Ghana, and Kenya. Below are a few highlights from the discussion: