How to design equitable social protection in health?
5 h
An advocacy tool to empower current and future policymakers, and global health advocates in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
The context
In an era of shifting global priorities and emerging health threats, the development of resilient, state-led health systems that organise solidarity for access to health care has never been more critical. The EU Facility SOCIEUX+ has received many technical cooperation requests from Sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting a shared urgency to protect citizens from impoverishing due to health expenditures. This e-course was born from that demand. It is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, strategic mindset, and communication skills necessary to turn policy into practice. This course shines a spotlight on equity—the vital, often overlooked architectural element that ensures a system aims to be not only universal, but also fair in its delivery.Key strategic insights
Health is a fundamental human right and the cornerstone of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To achieve greater equity and a prosperous society, we must focus on the gradual, long-term development of universal social protection in health. The state’s role is vital as a coordinator, regulator, and funder, especially for those in poverty situations. This effort needs support from healthcare staff, civil society, the population, and all relevant stakeholders. Quality healthcare is the indispensable foundation – the condition sine qua non – for sustainable social health protection. Access to care should be based on needs, and contributions in line with means. The covered package should start from primary health care and gradually extend.Course structure & learning journey
The curriculum is delivered through six comprehensive modules designed to provide actionable policy insights:- Equity concepts and strategic benefits: Defining the core pillars of equity and the social, economic, and political gains of prioritising fairness in health.
- Vision and legislative blueprints: How to build a common institutional vision and establish robust legislative frameworks.
- Equitable financing models: Designing funding mechanisms that ensure solidarity.
- Access beyond the financial: Addressing non-financial barriers to ensure that healthcare is accessible to all.
- Institutional transformation: Managing the complex reforms needed to create integrated, state-led health protection frameworks.
- Monitoring, evaluation, and learning: Using targeted indicators to measure the real-world impact of equity-focused social health protection policies.
Engaging formats
Each section is guided by specific learning objectives and presented through diverse high-quality formats: illustrated technical sheets, interviews with renowned international practitioners, video insights from our AI anchors, dramatised case studies, and deep-dive materials for further learning. Upon completion of the modules and the final assessment, participants will receive a certificate of completion.Expert contributors and speakers
The content of this course has been developed by leading practitioners in the field:- Paul Bossyns, Physician and Senior Expert in Health and Social Protection at Enabel
- Giovanni Cascone, International Consultant on Social Health Protection
- Frank Vandenbroucke, Belgium’s Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health
- Serigne Diouf, Health Economist and Director of Operations at the National Agency for Universal Health Coverage, Senegal
- Regis Hitimana, Advisor on Health Policy and Systems, University of Rwanda’s School of Public Health
- Lynda Rey, Professor and expert in Global Health and Evaluation
