For countries facing a large influx of migrants, the best way to ensure that these new members of society have sustained access to essential health services is to have a long-term strategy – one that builds on existing health platforms.

In the Dominican Republic, the dual impact of large numbers of migrants and a health system overwhelmed by COVID-19 has meant that fewer health services are available for migrant women. LHSS is working to improve health protection for the country’s migrant women, most of whom come from Haiti.

Poor budget execution results in inefficiencies that undermine the ability of health agencies to improve access to needed health services and improve population health. Yet billions of dollars in unexecuted health budgets are returned to treasuries every year. 

Population movement of this magnitude places huge stress on health systems in receptor countries. How can health care for migrants be financed? How can health system capacity be expanded? And how can health sector policies and national migration policies be harmonized? 

LHSS conducted a global evidence review on emerging models of DFS for health, and explored why, how, and under what circumstances these models contribute to universal health coverage.

The events of the past 18 months underscore the importance of generally strong, equitable, and accessible health systems. COVID-19 is not the only threat we face, and as we prepare for the future it is critical that we begin to sufficiently invest in the foundational health system strengthening required to develop lasting resilience. 

In this episode, we talk with Lisa Tarantino, Director of Transition and Sustainability and explore how LHSS is developing in-country capacity to ensure a more sustainable health system. 

The proliferation of mobile telephones and advances in digital financial technology have created opportunities for faster progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.

LHSS supports scale up and adaptation of existing vaccination programs for COVID-19 while also strengthening countries’ capacity to manage other public health efforts in the future.

Health governance is foundational to strengthening health systems around the world, but it’s something that many development practitioners struggle to conceptualize. In this episode, we 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.

In this episode, we 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, and financially sustainable.

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?

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.