Health Systems Strengthening
Health systems in low- and middle-income countries are complex and are not always designed to make it easy for consumers to navigate. As a result, consumers’ journeys through the health system are far from linear. To achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), we must untangle the complexities that limit people’s pathway to care.
Through PSI’s Health Systems Accelerator, we are building on our 50+ years of experience bringing together consumer voices, market actors, and government partners to strengthen health systems and make it easier for people to access the essential health services and products they need. That’s what we call Consumer-Powered Healthcare.
Our Approach
to Strengthening the system
We work alongside the government to engage with consumers on a continuous basis, equipping them with the tools and personalized information they need to make more informed decisions about their health. By understanding the challenges consumers face along their journey to care, we help strengthen service delivery in ways that make it easier for people to access the care they need. In doing so, we support government-led efforts to improve both clients’ experiences of care and overall health outcomes.
Whether consumers decide to visit a private clinic or a government health facility, the service they seek should be both affordable and of good quality. To make this possible, private and public sector players need to work more closely together.
We use digital technology to make it easier for consumers to choose care across the health system, and for providers to deliver health services that respond to consumers’ unique needs.
We support governments in shaping the regulatory environment and the policies that allow self-care to become an integral part of the health system.
We support government-led Public Health Emergency Operations Centers (PHEOC) to generate and act upon real-time, quality data so that health systems can get ahead of the health challenges of today, and tomorrow. Explore our work in health security and pandemic preparedness.
Self-care for
stronger health systems
Self-care practices offer health systems a new and critical partner: consumers themselves.
The Self-Care Trailblazer Group (SCTG) is a global coalition dedicated to expanding the safe and effective practice of self-care so that individuals can better manage their own health, health outcomes are improved, and health systems are better equipped to achieve universal health coverage.
Bridging the Gap
Integrating Self-care into national health systems
Although the practice is not new, self-care is not formally recognized and integrated into the health system in most settings. However, when effectively designed, implemented, and financed, self-care can generate significant benefits for individuals, communities, and the health system.
Our
Experts
Alex Ergo, PhD
Director, Health Systems
Myanmar
Sarah Onyango
Senior Technical Advisor, Self Care, Health Systems Accelerator
