Social Protection And Health Systems Strengthening Training Course

Introduction

In developing contexts like Kenya, achieving universal health coverage and improving public health outcomes critically depends on the strategic integration of Social Protection with robust Health Systems Strengthening initiatives. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip policymakers, health managers, social protection practitioners, and development experts with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required to seamlessly link social safety nets with health financing and access to healthcare. Participants will gain a robust understanding of health financing mechanisms, demand-side subsidies, health equity, public health interventions, and integrated service delivery models, enabling them to design programs that reduce catastrophic health expenditures and promote equitable access to quality health services. Our comprehensive curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, best practices, and real-world case studies pertinent to the dynamic health sector in Nairobi, Kenya, and the wider African continent, empowering you to build healthier and more resilient communities.

This health and social protection integration course is crucial for individuals and organizations in Kenya and across Africa striving to address health inequalities, reduce financial barriers to healthcare, and enhance the overall well-being of vulnerable populations. Mastering universal health coverage strategies, implementing cash transfers for health outcomes, and understanding synergies between social assistance and public health interventions are indispensable for building stronger, more equitable health systems and achieving sustainable development goals. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in health-sensitive social protection and integrated health financing, positioning your organization at the forefront of efforts to secure comprehensive health and social welfare for all citizens across the region.

Target Audience

• Health Policy Makers & Planners
• Social Protection Policy Makers
• Health Systems Managers
• Public Health Professionals
• Health Economists & Financiers
• Social Protection Program Managers
• Development Partners (WHO, World Bank, UNICEF, NGOs)

Course Objectives

• Understand the conceptual linkages between social protection and health systems strengthening.
• Learn about different models of health financing and their impact on access and equity.
• Master principles for integrating social protection programs with health service delivery.
• Develop proficiency in designing demand-side subsidies (e.g., cash transfers for health).
• Explore strategies for reducing catastrophic health expenditures among vulnerable households.
• Understand the role of social health insurance and its linkages with social assistance.
• Learn about pro-poor health interventions and their integration with social protection.
• Identify barriers to accessing healthcare for social protection beneficiaries.
• Develop effective multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms between health and social protection sectors.
• Understand data requirements and monitoring strategies for integrated programs.
• Explore policy and legal frameworks supporting social protection and health integration.
• Drive enhanced health outcomes, reduce poverty, and strengthen health system resilience.
• Position yourself as a leader in fostering equitable access to health and social welfare for all.

Duration

5 Days

Course Content

Module 1: The Nexus of Social Protection and Health Systems Strengthening

• Defining social protection and health systems strengthening
• The vicious cycle of poverty and ill-health
• How social protection can mitigate health shocks and enhance health-seeking behaviors
• Pathways from social protection to improved health outcomes (financial access, behavioral change)
• Current health and social protection landscape in Kenya

Module 2: Health Financing Mechanisms and Equity

• Overview of health financing models: out-of-pocket, social health insurance, general taxation
• Principles of universal health coverage (UHC) and its financing challenges
• Progressive vs. regressive financing mechanisms
• Equity in health financing: ensuring financial protection for the poor and vulnerable
• Role of national health insurance funds and their potential linkages

Module 3: Integrating Social Protection with Health Service Delivery

• Leveraging social protection program infrastructure for health outreach and information dissemination
• Referral pathways from social protection beneficiaries to health services
• Co-location of services: integrated service delivery models
• Community health workers (CHWs) and their role in bridging social and health sectors
• Strengthening primary healthcare through social protection linkages

Module 4: Demand-Side Subsidies and Cash Transfers for Health

• Rationale for demand-side health subsidies (e.g., direct cash transfers, conditional cash transfers)
• Designing cash transfers to incentivize health-seeking behaviors (e.g., antenatal care, child immunizations)
• Impact of cash transfers on health outcomes, nutrition, and maternal & child health
• Addressing gender-specific health barriers through cash transfers
• Practical considerations for implementing health-focused cash transfers

Module 5: Reducing Catastrophic Health Expenditures

• Understanding catastrophic health expenditures and their impact on poverty
• How social protection schemes can provide financial risk protection
• Linking social assistance beneficiaries to health insurance schemes
• Mechanisms for reducing out-of-pocket payments for vulnerable groups
• Case studies of social protection preventing medical impoverishment

Module 6: Policy, Governance, and Coordination for Integration

• Developing cohesive policies that bridge health and social protection sectors
• Legal and institutional frameworks for integrated planning and implementation
• Establishing effective multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms and platforms
• Data sharing and interoperability between health information systems and social registries
• Roles and responsibilities of different government ministries and partners

Module 7: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Future Directions

• Developing integrated indicators for health and social protection outcomes
• Collecting disaggregated data to identify health disparities
• Using M&E data to assess the impact of integrated programs on health equity
• Learning and adaptive management for continuous improvement
• Emerging innovations and technologies for strengthening health-social protection linkages in Kenya

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre.

We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.