Health Systems Financing in Fragile Settings

Connecting Citizens to Science

In this episode, we examine the critical role of health systems financing, especially in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Our expert guests discuss how different governance challenges, external actors, and political landscapes shape health financing. We explore strategies to make efficient use of resources and ensure essential services for vulnerable populations. (See ‘useful links’ for links to the other 5 episodes from the series).

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast and Today’s Topic

01:00 – What is Health Systems Financing?

02:56 – Challenges of Health Financing in Crisis Situations

05:17 – The Role of External Actors in Health Financing

07:34 – The Complexity of Parallel Health Systems

09:30 – Financing for Long-Term Recovery

13:22 – Health Financing Innovations and Examples from the Field

17:26 – Advice for Improving Health Financing in Crisis Settings

20:34 – Final Thoughts and Next Episode Teaser

In this episode:

Dr. Maria Bertone – Reader, Institute for Global Health and Development, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh

A health systems specialist with extensive experience in health financing, governance, and service delivery in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

Dr. Awad Mataria - Director, UHC/Health Systems, WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean

Since his early life – born in a refugee camp and spending childhood under occupation – and throughout his professional career, Dr. Mataria developed a special interest in working in fragile and conflict-affected settings. He is an expert in health economics, focusing on conflict-affected settings and global health system reforms.

Dr. Ibrahim Bou Orm – Lecturer, Institute for Global Health and Development, Queen Margaret University Edinburgh

A leading expert in health systems and financing, with deep knowledge in governance and health system recovery in conflict-affected regions, particularly in the Middle East.

Useful Links

• Non-state and informal actors in fragile settings - Connecting Citizens to Science - In this episode, we explore the critical role of non-state actors and informal providers in health systems within fragile settings. Our guests share insights on their legitimacy, roles during emergencies, and the challenges they face. This is the fourth episode in the six-part miniseries "Stories of Resilience: Local Lives and Health Systems," brought to you by ReBUILD for Resilience.
• Migration, displacement and health systems - Connecting Citizens to Science - In this fifth episode of our six-part miniseries, we examine the intersection of migration, displacement, and health systems in fragile settings. With over 1 billion people on the move globally, including 84 million forcibly displaced, this episode addresses the challenges and opportunities that migration presents to health systems. Our co-host, Dr. Joanna Raven, joins us alongside Professor Fouad Fouad and Dr. Santino Severoni, to share their experiences and insights on how health systems can respond to the needs of migrants and refugees through integration, cultural changes, and evidence-based practices.
• The Health Workforce in Times of Crisis - Connecting Citizens to Science - This episode is the third part of the six-part mini-series "Stories of Resilience: Local Lives and Health Systems," brought to you by ReBUILD for Resilience. In this episode, we discuss the challenges faced by the health workforce in fragile settings such as conflict zones and areas hit by political and economic crises. Our guests share their first-hand experiences and insights on how health systems and workers strive to provide care under extreme conditions.
• Gender, health systems resilience and equity - Connecting Citizens to Science - In the second episode of a six-part mini-series by ReBUILD for Resilience, we explore the intersection of gender and health systems in fragile settings. Hosted by Kim and co-hosted by Abriti Arjyal from HERD International, the episode features insights from Dr. Rouham Yamout from the American University of Beirut and Dr. Val Percival from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA) at Carleton University. The discussion covers the impact of gender dynamics on health systems during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and armed conflicts, emphasising community-led, participatory approaches to promote gender equality and resilience in health systems.
• Revisiting Resilience in Health Systems Research - Connecting Citizens to Science - This conversation is the first part of a mini-series titled 'Stories of Resilience - Local Lives and Health Systems', powered by the ReBUILD for Resilience research consortium. This podcast episode, hosted by Dr. Kim Ozano and co-hosted by Professor Sophie Witter, engages in an insightful discussion on health systems resilience, particularly in fragile settings affected by violence, conflict, pandemics, and other shocks.
• Introducing ReBUILD for Resilience - health systems researchRebuild Consortium
• Health System Financing and Resource Allocation in Humanitarian Settings: Toward a Collaborative Policy Research Agenda in the Eastern Mediterranean Region - ScienceDirect
• Textbook on Health Systems in Low and Middle Income Countries: Transitioning from What to How? - Fifteen Eighty Four | Cambridge University Press

Want to hear more podcasts like this?

Follow Connecting Citizens to Science on your usual podcast platform or YouTube to hear more about current research and debates within global health.

The podcast covers topics like health systems strengthening, gender and intersectionality, tropical diseases (NTDs, TB, Malaria), maternal and child healthcare, mental health, vector-borne diseases, climate change, and co-production approaches.

If you would like your project or programme to feature in an episode or miniseries, get in touch with the producers of Connecting Citizens to Science, the SCL Agency.