How can smart health financing and integrated care come together to deliver better health outcomes and accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC)? This was the central question explored during a high-level side event at the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) in Geneva,...
At the heart of the Joint Learning Network (JLN), a global peer-based organization made up of policymakers and practitioners from 41-member countries, lies a shared commitment to collaborative learning and collective problem solving to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Through the JLN, in-country stakeholder groups made up of representatives from key government institutions and development partners working together on UHC reforms, come together to define and communicate country priorities, as well as share and apply learnings and guidance. Over the past few years, the CCGs became increasingly aware that more was needed to translate the knowledge acquired from JLN activities into action to address emerging health system challenges. In January 2025, the Joint Learning Fund (JLF) was launched to bridge the critical gap between collaborative learning and implementation. The purpose of the JLF is simple yet catalytic: support countries in translating joint learning guidance and resources into tangible action that strengthens health systems.
In an era of unprecedented global challenges—from climate-related disasters to pandemics and political conflicts—health systems worldwide are under immense strain. Sustainable and strategic financing arrangements are essential for building resilient, people-centered primary health care (PHC) systems that can maintain essential functions during these crises. Yet countries face persistent financing challenges: budgeting remains largely input-based, allocations are not made directly to PHC facilities, sub-national actors often lack flexibility to reallocate funds to respond to emergency needs, funds are unpredictable and usage rates are low given rigid public financial management processes
Authors: Jerry La Forgia[1], Jonty Roland[2], Anuska Kalita[3], James Soki[4], Rahul S Reddy Kadarpeta[5] Investing in Primary Healthcare (PHC) is more than just a financial commitment. Leaving no one behind is a central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A well-designed...
