Course Details

Social Protection for Persons with Chronic Illnesses Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This specialized training course explores the critical role of social protection in supporting persons living with chronic illnesses, addressing the unique health, financial, and social challenges they face. Recognizing that chronic conditions often lead to substantial healthcare costs, reduced work capacity, and increased vulnerability, this program equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills to design, implement, and evaluate social protection interventions that enhance access to care, ensure income security, and promote inclusion. Participants will gain a deep understanding of policy options, financing mechanisms, and collaborative strategies to build resilient systems for those affected. This course is ideal for policymakers, public health professionals, social protection practitioners, patient advocates, researchers, and development experts committed to equitable health outcomes.

DURATION

5 DAYS

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals working in public health, social protection, disability inclusion, and related policy areas, 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 supporting vulnerable populations.
• Researchers and academics interested in chronic disease management, health policy, and social determinants of health.

OBJECTIVES

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

• Understand the diverse impacts of chronic illnesses on individuals, households, and social protection systems.
• Identify key social protection instruments and health system interventions relevant to chronic conditions.
• Analyze existing policies and programs to assess their adequacy and inclusiveness for persons with chronic illnesses.
• Develop strategies for financing, coordinating, and implementing integrated social protection and health interventions.
• Advocate for evidence-based policies that promote the rights and well-being of persons with chronic illnesses.

MODULES

Module 1: Understanding Chronic Illnesses and Their Impacts

• Define chronic illnesses and explore their global and national prevalence.
• Analyze the multidimensional impacts of chronic conditions on individuals, including health, economic, and social consequences.
• Discuss the concept of catastrophic health expenditures related to chronic illness.
• Understand the specific vulnerabilities faced by persons with chronic illnesses, including stigma and discrimination.
• Examine the human rights framework relevant to health and social security for persons with chronic conditions.

Module 2: Social Protection Instruments for Health and Income Security

• Explore social health insurance schemes and their role in covering chronic illness treatment costs.
• Discuss the contribution of non-contributory health benefits and fee exemptions for essential services.
• Understand the role of disability benefits and sickness benefits in providing income replacement.
• Analyze how social assistance programs (e.g., cash transfers) can support living expenses and nutrition for affected households.
• Examine the potential of active labor market programs to facilitate return to work or vocational training for those with chronic conditions.

Module 3: Health System Responses to Chronic Illness

• Understand different models of chronic disease management and care delivery.
• Discuss the importance of primary healthcare for early detection, prevention, and ongoing management.
• Explore strategies for ensuring access to essential medicines, technologies, and rehabilitation services.
• Analyze the role of health promotion and disease prevention programs in mitigating chronic illness burden.
• Examine the importance of integrated care pathways and coordination across health services.

Module 4: Policy Coherence and Cross-Sectoral Linkages

• Identify opportunities for policy alignment between health, social protection, and labor ministries regarding chronic illness.
• Develop frameworks for cross-sectoral planning and budgeting for a comprehensive response.
• Discuss mechanisms for effective coordination between health service providers and social protection agencies.
• Explore case studies of successful integrated policies in different national contexts.
• Address challenges in fostering inter-ministerial collaboration and data sharing.

Module 5: Financing Integrated Support for Chronic Illness

• Analyze various financing models for covering chronic illness care and social protection benefits.
• Discuss strategies for increasing fiscal space for comprehensive support for chronic conditions.
• Explore the role of innovative financing mechanisms and partnerships.
• Understand the concept of progressive universalism in extending coverage for chronic illnesses.
• Plan for sustainable funding sources for long-term program viability.

Module 6: Targeting and Inclusion of Persons with Chronic Illnesses

• Identify persons with chronic illnesses and their households most at risk of impoverishment.
• Develop inclusive targeting mechanisms for social protection and health programs.
• Discuss strategies for addressing stigma and discrimination in access to services and benefits.
• Understand how to reach those in informal employment or without formal social security coverage.
• Explore the role of patient registries and health information systems in identifying and supporting beneficiaries.

Module 7: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning for Chronic Illness Interventions

• Develop integrated M&E frameworks to track both social protection and health outcomes for persons with chronic illnesses.
• Design indicators that capture improvements in health status, financial well-being, and social participation.
• Apply methodologies for evaluating the impact of integrated programs on health expenditures and quality of life.
• Utilize data from both social protection information systems and health management information systems for comprehensive analysis.
• Establish learning platforms to share best practices and inform future program design and adaptation.

Module 8: Advocacy, Patient Empowerment, and Future Directions

• Advocate for policies that recognize and support the rights and needs of persons with chronic illnesses.
• Explore the crucial role of patient organizations and civil society in advocacy and program design.
• Discuss strategies for promoting patient empowerment and self-management.
• Examine emerging trends in chronic illness management, including digital health solutions.
• Advocate for the development of comprehensive, integrated social protection systems that prioritize the well-being of persons with chronic illnesses.

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