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Strengthening health systems towards universal health coverage: an introduction to the department of health system development

The Department of Health System Development (HSD) provides support to the 22 countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region in their efforts to move towards universal health coverage through strengthened health systems by working closely with WHO country offices, other departments in the regional office, headquarters and development partners. Health systems and universal health coverage require clear vision and political commitment; good governance and rule of law; strong institutions, policies and leadership; strategies for financial protection; health facilities and infrastructure; trained workforce; integrated quality services; information management; and appropriate medicines and technology. We work in all these areas through four teams:

Governance & Financing Team; Integrated Service Delivery Team; Health Workforce; Development Team; Essential Medicines & Technologies Team

Equity, human rights, solidarity, protection, accountability and Sustainable Development Goals are cross-cutting themes in our work. National health systems reflect economic, social and political diversity in the Region. Protracted emergencies and the resulting migrations and displaced populations also provide a critical context to the health systems. This brochure provides information about our work, teams and context – the challenges we face and the response we generate