Course Details

Social Protection and Health System Strengthening Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This comprehensive training course explores the critical linkages between social protection and health system strengthening, highlighting how integrated approaches can significantly improve population health outcomes and reduce vulnerabilities. Recognizing that health and poverty are inextricably linked, this program equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills to design, implement, and evaluate interventions that leverage social protection mechanisms to enhance health service access, affordability, and quality. Participants will gain a deep understanding of policy coherence, collaborative strategies, and sustainable financing models. This course is ideal for policymakers, public health professionals, social protection practitioners, researchers, and development experts committed to building resilient and equitable health systems.

DURATION

5 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals working in public health, social protection, development, and related policy fields, including:

• Government officials and policymakers from ministries of health, social welfare, and finance.
• Program managers and technical staff from health organizations, social protection agencies, and NGOs.
• Public health specialists, clinicians, and health service administrators.
• Social protection practitioners and social workers.
• Researchers and academics focusing on health policy, social determinants of health, and health economics.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the conceptual framework linking social protection and health system strengthening.
• Identify key policy levers and programmatic interventions that integrate social protection with health services.
• Analyze existing health systems and social protection programs for opportunities for synergy and improved outcomes.
• Develop strategies for financing, coordinating, and implementing integrated social protection and health interventions.
• Advocate for evidence-based policies and programs that strengthen health systems through social protection.

MODULES

Module 1: Understanding the Nexus of Social Protection and Health

• Define social protection and its various instruments (e.g., cash transfers, social insurance).
• Explore the core components and functions of a robust health system.
• Analyze the complex interplay between poverty, social vulnerability, and health outcomes.
• Discuss how social protection can mitigate health-related financial risks and improve health-seeking behaviors.
• Examine global frameworks and commitments emphasizing integrated approaches to social protection and health.

Module 2: Social Protection Instruments for Health Improvement

• Investigate the role of cash transfers (conditional and unconditional) in improving health and nutrition.
• Explore how social health insurance schemes can enhance access to healthcare services.
• Understand the contribution of social assistance programs to health equity.
• Discuss employment guarantee schemes and their indirect health benefits.
• Analyze the potential of in-kind transfers and school feeding programs for improved health outcomes.

Module 3: Health System Strengthening Approaches

• Understand the building blocks of a health system (service delivery, workforce, information, financing, governance, medicines).
• Explore strategies for strengthening primary healthcare as the foundation of health systems.
• Discuss approaches to improve health workforce capacity, distribution, and retention.
• Analyze mechanisms for enhancing health information systems for better decision-making.
• Examine governance and accountability frameworks within health systems.

Module 4: Policy Coherence and Cross-Sectoral Linkages

• Identify opportunities for policy alignment between social protection and health ministries.
• Develop frameworks for cross-sectoral planning and budgeting.
• Discuss mechanisms for effective coordination between social protection and health service providers.
• Explore case studies of successful policy coherence in different national contexts.
• Address challenges in fostering inter-ministerial collaboration.

Module 5: Financing Integrated Social Protection and Health

• Analyze various financing models for social protection and health services.
• Discuss strategies for increasing fiscal space for integrated interventions.
• Explore the role of innovative financing mechanisms and partnerships.
• Understand the concept of catastrophic health expenditure and how social protection can mitigate it.
• Plan for sustainable funding sources for long-term program viability.

Module 6: Targeting and Reaching Vulnerable Populations

• Identify vulnerable groups disproportionately affected by poor health and lacking social protection.
• Develop inclusive targeting mechanisms for integrated programs that reach the poorest and most marginalized.
• Discuss strategies for addressing health inequities through social protection.
• Understand how social registries can facilitate better targeting and coordination.
• Explore gender-sensitive approaches to program design and delivery.

Module 7: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning for Integrated Programs

• Develop integrated M&E frameworks to track both social protection and health outcomes.
• Design indicators that capture the synergistic effects of combined interventions.
• Apply methodologies for evaluating the impact of integrated programs on health indicators.
• Utilize data from both social protection and health information systems for comprehensive analysis.
• Establish learning platforms to share best practices and inform future program design.

Module 8: Case Studies, Innovation, and Future Directions

• Examine successful country-level examples of integrated social protection and health interventions.
• Discuss emerging innovations in leveraging social protection for health system strengthening.
• Explore the role of digital technologies in enhancing integrated program delivery and monitoring.
• Identify advocacy strategies for promoting integrated social protection and health policies.
• Discuss global trends and future directions in strengthening health systems through social protection.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com