Recorded live at the Eighth Global Symposium on Health Systems Research, the episode focuses on the challenges and opportunities of delivering health care in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Collaborating with researchers from the ReBUILD for Resilience consortium, we hear from three inspiring voices tackling displacement, migration, and exclusion in health care.

Dr. Cynthia Maung shares insights on creating governance structures for health care delivery to displaced populations along the Thai-Myanmar border. Dr. Roshan Pokhrel from Nepal reflects on using research to address workforce challenges amid migration and climate change. Finally, Lydia DiStefano highlights the critical role of community health workers in providing equitable care to vulnerable populations and shares exciting plans for the upcoming Community Health Workers Symposium in Bangkok.

This episode offers vital lessons for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers committed to building resilient health systems in fragile settings.

In this episode:

From ReBUILD for Resilience:

Karen Miller – Communications Officer, Liverpool School Tropical Medicine

Shophika Regmi - Senior Manager: Health System Research, Evaluation and Learning, HERD International, Nepal

Thazin La - Research manager for the health systems research programme, Burnet Institute Myanmar

Our Guests:

Dr. Cynthia Maung – Mae Tae Clinic

Dr. Roshan Pokhrel – Secretary Ministry of Health Population, Nepal

Lydia DiStefano – Senior Research and Advocacy Manager, Community Partners International

Useful links:

• The 4th International CHW Symposium
• HSR Global Symposium on Health Systems Research | HSR 2024
• Introducing ReBUILD for Resilience

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 mini-series, get in touch with the producers of Connecting Citizens to Science, the SCL Agency.

In this special episode, recorded live at the 8th Global Symposium on Health Systems Research (HSR2024) in Nagasaki, we explore key themes shaping the global health landscape. This episode brings together voices from the halls of HSR2024, where our host and researchers from the ReBUILD for Resilience programme have been capturing insightful conversations with experts on resilience, climate, and just health systems.

Hosted by Dr. Kim Ozano, this episode includes interviews with inspiring speakers tackling complex global health challenges, from conflict-affected settings to ethical health financing.

Join us as we share dynamic discussions and explore what they mean for the future of health systems.

In this episode

From ReBUILD for Resilience:

Rouham Yamout – Programme Coordinator, American University of Beruit

Karen Miller – Communications Officer, Liverpool School Tropical Medicine

Our Guests:

Ana Amaya – Board Member, Health Systems Global

Dr. Ali Ardalan - Regional Advisor and Head of Health Systems Resilience Unit, WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Dr. Usman Gwarzo – LAFIYA programme, Nigeria

Useful links:

• 8th Global Symposium on Health Systems Research (HSR2024)
• Introducing ReBUILD for Resilience - health systems researchRebuild Consortium

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 mini-series, get in touch with the producers of Connecting Citizens to Science, the SCL Agency.

In this special “warm-up” episode for the Global Symposium on Health Systems Research (HSR2024) in Nagasaki, Japan, we explore the conference themes, their relevance to global health, and the critical role of resilient health systems in fragile settings. This episode offers insights for attendees and those interested in health systems worldwide, examining the intersection of conflict and crisis, climate resilience, justice, and governance in building sustainable, people-centered health systems. ReBUILD for Resilience team members share how their work aligns with the conference themes, highlighting the importance of supporting vulnerable communities in challenging contexts.

See 'useful links' for previous health systems strengthening episodes.

In this episode:

Kate Hawkins - Managing Director, Pamoja Communications

Kate has extensive experience working with research partners to develop strategies, engage stakeholders, and create impactful communication products. Skilled at translating academic research for diverse audiences, she has years of experience across NGOs, academia, and the private sector. Kate has managed numerous websites and platforms to promote research and foster partnerships, enhancing demand for research communications by engaging policymakers, brokering academia-government partnerships, and building capacity for evidence use.

Joanna Khalil – Research Fellow, American University of Beirut and ReBUILD for Resilience

Joanna is a research fellow and a public health practitioner working with various communities around Lebanon, including refugees, in formal and informal settlements. Her key strength is qualitative research methodology.

She has been involved in a multinational research study, exploring tobacco and waterpipe smoking, as well as health warnings, translating findings to policies. She carried out baseline assessments and evaluations of health and social centres in underprivileged areas and refugee camps, aiming at strengthening the health response in emergencies on topics related to reproductive health, mental health, education, WASH, cash assistance, emergency relief, resilience and child labour.

Shophika Regmi - Senior Manager: Health System Research, Evaluation and Learning, HERD International, Nepal

Shophika Regmi is a health systems researcher at HERD International, Nepal, leading learning site research for the ReBUILD for Resilience consortium. With over a decade of experience, her work focuses on enhancing local health system resilience through improved governance and evidence-based planning. Shophika has led numerous projects to strengthen health outcomes for marginalised groups across areas like maternal health, nutrition, climate change, and health information systems.

Useful links:

• Health Systems Financing in Fragile Settings
• Migration, Displacement and Health Systems
• Non-state and informal actors in fragile settings
• The Health Workforce in Times of Crisis
• Gender, health systems resilience and equity
• Revisiting Resilience in Health Systems Research
• HSR Global Symposium on Health Systems Research | HSR 2024
• Introducing ReBUILD for Resilience - health systems researchRebuild Consortium

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...

In this episode of Connecting Citizens to Science, we conclude our three-part miniseries on improving maternal and newborn healthcare. Host Dr. Kim Ozano and her guests explore how to sustain quality improvements in health systems and progress toward maternal and newborn Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Dr. Rael Mutai, Regional Technical Advisor for Maternal and Newborn Health at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Kenya, and Dr. Nicholas Furtado, Senior Medical Advisor at Global Fund, share their insights on the successes and challenges of embedding sustainable practices in maternal and newborn healthcare systems across Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria. (see 'useful links' for the other episodes from the series).

Chapter List:

00:00:00 – Introduction to Sustainability and SDG Goals

00:01:52 – Progress Towards Maternal and Newborn Health indicators

00:04:50 – Global Landscape: The Impact of the Pandemic

00:06:37 – Addressing Inequities within Countries

00:09:26 – Healthcare Workers and Sustainable Outcomes

00:12:22 – Intersectionality and Broader Determinants of Maternal Health

00:17:38 – Advice and Call to Action for Sustainable Solutions

In this episode:

Dr. Rael Mutai - Regional Technical Advisor (MNH), Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Tropical Kenya

Rael is a public health specialist with over 21 years’ of experience in health and development. She is passionate about health systems strengthening, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights and Quality Maternal and Newborn Health. Rael has been involved with the quality improvement programme in the last 3 years, as the Regional Technical Adviser for Kenya and Tanzania. The Programme uses global evidence customised to country context for improved maternal and newborn outcomes. The programme has addressed gaps in ANC-PNC service delivery through capacity building of healthcare workers and integrated approaches to care.

Dr. Nicolas Furtado - Senior Medical Advisor, Global Fund

Nicolas is a Senior Medical Advisor with the Health System Strengthening Technical Advice and Partnerships team at the Global Fund. He is deeply engaged in efforts to strengthen primary healthcare systems globally, particularly focusing on improving maternal and newborn health outcomes and now focusing on improving access to medical oxygen and respiratory care. Throughout his work, Nicolas has been instrumental in addressing key challenges such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare inequities, and the need for sustainable, locally adapted solutions. He advocates for simple, effective, and culturally appropriate interventions to ensure quality care at the point of service delivery.

Useful links:

• Strengthening the Health Workforce for Maternal and Newborn Care - Connecting Citizens to Science - In the second episode of our three-part miniseries, " Transforming Maternal and Newborn Health", we focus on how capacity strengthening in healthcare can transform maternal and newborn care outcomes. The discussion highlights the critical role of health workers, from nurses to doctors, and the importance of building skills, teamwork, and communication to improve early diagnosis and reduce complications. Experts share insights on training approaches, challenges faced, and the transformative impact of mentorship and continuous professional development in Kenya, Tanzania, and beyond. This episode offers valuable lessons for health systems strengthening and sets the stage for our next conversation on sustainability.
• Quality Innovations in Maternal and Newborn Health - Connecting Citizens to Science - In this first episode of our three-part miniseries, "Transforming Maternal and Newborn Health," we dive into a groundbreaking...

Join us as we focus on how capacity strengthening in healthcare can transform maternal and newborn care outcomes, in the second episode of our three-part miniseries, "Transforming Maternal and Newborn Health". The discussion highlights the critical role of health workers, from nurses to doctors, and the importance of building skills, teamwork, and communication to improve early diagnosis and reduce complications.

Experts share insights on training approaches, challenges faced, and the transformative impact of mentorship and continuous professional development in Kenya, Tanzania, and beyond. This episode offers valuable lessons for health systems strengthening and sets the stage for our next conversation on sustainability.

Chapter List:

00:00:00 – Introduction to Capacity Strengthening

00:01:11 – Role of Health Workers in Maternal and Newborn Care

00:02:19 – Challenges in Achieving High-Quality Care

00:04:52 – Impact of Continuous Professional Development

00:05:51 – Real-Life Improvements in Diagnosis and Care

00:09:28 – Competency-Based Training Approaches

00:12:20 – Shifting Attitudes and Respectful Maternity Care

00:14:01 – Research Integration and Policy Influence

00:16:13 – Key Advice for Capacity Strengthening

00:20:06 – Conclusion and What’s Next

In this episode:

Dr. Rael Mutai, Regional Technical Advisor (MNH), Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Tropical

Rael is a public health specialist with over 21 years’ of experience in health and development. She is passionate about health systems strengthening, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights and Quality Maternal and Newborn Health. Rael has been involved with the programme in the last 3 years, as the Regional Technical Adviser for Kenya and Tanzania. The Programme uses global evidence customised to country context for improved maternal and newborn outcomes. The programme has addressed gaps in ANC-PNC service delivery through capacity building of healthcare workers and integrated approaches to care.

Dr. Leonard Katalambula – Lecturer, University of Dodoma

Dr. Katalambula is the Head of the Department of Public Health at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), where he has worked for over 15 years. He also serves as Board Chairperson for Action Against Hunger (Tanzania) and is a technical committee member of TWG 6, focusing on reproductive, maternal, child, and adolescent health. An experienced researcher with publications in implementation science and public health, Dr. Katalambula leads projects on Quality Improvement of Integrated HIV, TB, and Malaria Services during antenatal and postnatal care, as well as the MEGA project. For the past 15 years, he has worked closely with communities, addressing challenges through research and community services.

Sylvia Kimtai – Midwife, Uasin Gishu County

Sylvia is currently attached to the county reproductive health office coordinating the elimination of maternal-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and also quality improvement. She has been involved in ANC/PNC and quality improvement training supporting Kenya and Tanzania in both face-to-face and blended learning

Sylvia mentors nurses, midwives, and clinical officers on quality improvement in ANC/PNC in Uasin Gishu County, also supporting sub-county reproductive health coordinators in the mentorship of service providers on ANC/PNC. Passionate about quality improvement, she has a WhatsApp platform where facility quality improvement chairpersons share best practices and challenges.

Useful links:

• A Collaborative Approach to Improving Maternal and Newborn Health in Tanzania or Saving Lives
• Improving antenatal and...

In this first episode of our three-part miniseries, "Transforming Maternal and Newborn Health," we dive into a groundbreaking quality improvement programme that has made significant strides in integrating HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria services into antenatal and postnatal care across Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania.

We explore emerging evidence on how health systems can adapt and respond to changing landscapes, including the impact of COVID-19, to deliver better outcomes for mothers and newborns. Featuring insights from leading experts, we discuss the challenges, successes, and innovative approaches that have strengthened the capacity of health workers and improved access to essential care. This episode sets the stage for the next discussions on capacity building and sustainability, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in global health and health systems strengthening.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Introduction and Series Overview

00:01:30 – Responding to COVID-19 and Building Resilience

00:03:20 – Maternal Health Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa

00:04:45 – Strengthening Health Workforce Capacity

00:06:20 – Key Findings and Lessons Learned

00:08:04 – Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health

00:09:17 – Practical Impact and Stories from Nigeria

00:11:54 – Next Steps and Future Recommendations

00:14:19 – Adapting to COVID-19 Challenges

00:17:15 – Final Advice and Conclusions

In this episode:

Dr. Rael Mutai, Regional Technical Advisor (MNH), Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Tropical

Rael is a public health specialist with over 21 years’ experience in health and development. She is passionate about health systems strengthening, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights and Quality Maternal and Newborn Health. Rael has been involved with the programme in the last 3 years, as the Regional Technical Adviser for Kenya and Tanzania. The Programme uses global evidence customized to country context for improved maternal and newborn outcomes. The programme has addressed gaps in ANC-PNC service delivery through capacity building of healthcare workers and integrated approaches to care.

Prof. Charles Ameh - Programme Lead, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

Charles led the implementation of the GF ANC/PNC quality improvement programme in the last 3 years. This involves identifying problems and co-creating solutions with stakeholders in Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria. Key interventions designed and tested during this programme are relevant to several communities: maternity care providers, researchers, MNH programme managers, health professional associations and regulatory bodies, training institutions, women of reproductive age and their families in LMICs.

Dr. Oladipo Aremu, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital , Oyo State, Nigeria

Dr Oladipo Aremu has been involved in research work relating to post-partum haemorrhage, maternal and child health for the last three years. His contribution to the post-partum haemorrhage research has helped to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. During the period of the research, the cost of the drug administered on patients resulted in remarkable cost savings when compared to cost of blood transfusion. Previous research activities involved in also contributed to improvement in respectful maternity care and upgrading the health worker-patient relationship.

Useful links:

• Empowering Health Workers: Nigeria's Positive Shift in Maternal & Newborn Care fuels Policy Change
• This is a film from the WOMAN Trials at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, as part of the Healthier Together series presented by the WHO...

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...

In this fifth episode of our six-part miniseries (see notes for 'useful links' to other episodes), 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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the discussion on migration, displacement, and health systems resilience in fragile settings

01:00 Meet the Experts: Professor Fouad Mohammad Fouad and Dr. Santino Severoni

02:56 Global Migration and Displacement: Setting the Scene

07:56 Challenges Faced by Health Systems

09:13 Integration and Parallel Health Systems

13:11 WHO's Role and Strategic Approaches

17:11 Examples of Good Practices from Different Countries

21:48 Final Thoughts and Advice for Future Work

24:12 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

In this episode:

Dr Joanna Raven - Reader in health systems, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

Jo has worked in global health for more than 25 years, focusing on strengthening health systems. Jo is a researcher with a passion for co-designing and implementing health system research with local stakeholders including community members, health workers, health managers and decision makers. As a health worker herself, Jo’s work focuses on supporting the health workforce to deliver people-centred care that is of good quality and leaves no one behind.

Dr. Fouad Fouad - Professor of Global Health and Social Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

Fouad has extensive research on migration and health, focusing on multidisciplinary approaches to forced displacement, health systems in humanitarian settings, and the political economy of health in protracted crises. Fouad is also the IDRC Chair of the Forced Displacement Program in the Middle East and the Co-Director of the Refugee Health Program at the Global Health Institute. His role as a member of several technical working groups, including the WHO Global Consultation on the Health of Migrants and Refugees and the Global Research Agenda on Health and Migration, underscores his expertise and influence in the field. Fouad served as a commissioner in the UCL-Lancet Commission on Migration and Health (2018) and is currently a commissioner in the Lancet Commission on Health, Conflict, and Forced Migration.

Dr. Santino Severoni - Director of the WHO Department of Health and Migration, World Health Organization

Dr. Severoni is the Director of the Department of Health and Migration at WHO headquarters in Geneva. With over 24 years of experience, he has held senior roles at the WHO Regional Office for Europe and worked globally in health sector reforms, system strengthening, and complex emergency management. His career includes serving as WHO Representative in Albania and Tajikistan. Since 2011, he has focused on public health aspects of migration, leading efforts to implement global migration and refugee compacts and coordinating WHO’s first World Report on the Health of Refugees and Migrants.

Useful links

• WHO global action plan on promoting the health of refugees and migrants, 2019–2030
• Promoting the health of refugees and migrants: experiences from around the world - Compendium referenced by Dr. Santino