Below is a list of other sessions that may be of interest to those engaged in fragile and shock-prone settings. Many involve members of the ReBUILD team.
All times are local Japanese Standard Time (GMT+9). Please note that session times may change at short notice – check the HSR 2024 website or app for the latest times and dates.
Time: 08:00-10:00
Location: Room 101(b)
Session ID: SS-114
This satellite session addresses health system governance challenges in conflict zones, focusing on areas in Syria and Myanmar, where traditional governments have collapsed. The session highlights the need to build effective, legitimate institutions in the absence of state structures, using approaches like SyriaDev’s Hand-Holding method. By fostering leadership, harmonisation, and system-wide collaboration, emerging actors can strengthen governance frameworks. Comparative analysis with other conflict-affected settings, such as Myanmar, Libya and Somalia, will help participants explore cross-contextual lessons, practical strategies, and sustainable solutions for health system strengthening in fragile environments.
The session is organized by Syria Dev [opens new tab]. The panelists include Dr. Abdelkarim Eqzayez from Kings College, Dr. Safwan Al Chalati from the Syrian Board of Medical Specialties, Dr. Mansour Al Atrash from the Health Information System Unit, Dr. Rima Ismail from Un Ponte Per UPP, Dr. Cynthia Maung from the Mae Tao Clinic in Thailand, Tee Tar from the Burma Medical Association, and Prof. Egbert Sondrop from the KIT Royal Tropical Institute, along with Dr. Ali Ardalan from WHO EMRO.
NB The session immediately after this one is on a related topic – Principles and practices of health systems strengthening in fragile settings: conceptual reflections and operational perspectives. Details here.
Time: 08:00-12:15
Location: Room Main Hall (1)
Session ID: SS-44
This session, which features ReBUILD’s Sophie Witter, explores how governments can enhance the contribution of private healthcare actors to UHC and health security while curtailing potential risks. The state of the evidence base will be presented, drawing on a comprehensive scoping review of approaches to the governance of the private sector. This review has been used to develop a Progression Pathway for the Governance of Mixed Health Systems, which provides countries with clear guidance on managing private sector contributions effectively. Through an interactive workshop, participants will apply the Progression Pathway to country scenarios, contributing to the tool’s evolution and shaping the future research agenda in this critical area.
Presenters are: David Clarke, World Health Organization; Prof Catherine Goodman, LSHTM; Prof Mark Hellowell, University of Edinburgh; Prof Sophie Witter, Queen Margaret University, UK & ReBUILD consortium; Louise Allen, Oxford Policy Management; Anna Cocozza, World Health Organization; Temitayo Erogbogbo, MSD for Mothers; Prof Mishal Khan, LSHTM and Maia Uchaneishvili, Curatio International Foundation
Time: 08:00-09:30
Location: Room 206
This organised session from the Thematic Working Group on Health Systems in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings (TWG FCAS) aims to stimulate an open and inclusive reflection on the policies and practices of integration of refugees and displaced populations into national health systems. Different regional and actor perspectives will be shown in a short video prepared by the TWG FCAS, and then discussed by a panel of researchers and practitioners, in conversation with the audience.
With the number of displaced people growing and displacement becoming increasingly prolonged, there is a global call for policies and best practices to allow for the inclusion of displaced populations into national and local health systems, in order to address their health needs and ensure equitable access to quality health services. This session reflects on the policies and practices of health system integration, from different regional (Middle East, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe) and actor perspectives (ie that of international, governmental, non-governmental and community organisations). The focus will be on three core questions:
The session will be chaired by Barbara Profeta (TWG FCAS and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation). The panellists are: Maria Bertone (TWG FCAS, ReBUILD and Queen Margaret University), Egbert Sondorp (TWG FCAS and KIT, Netherlands), Shatha Elnakib (Johns Hopkins University, USA), Ali Ardalan (WHO EMRO), Yuta Momose (International Labour Organization), Fouad M Fouad (ReBUILD, AUB, Lebanon/LSTM, UK), Irene Torres (Fundacion Octaedro, Ecuador), Cynthia Maung (MaeTao Clinic, Thailand) and Ibrahim Bou-Orm (ReBUILD, LSTM, UK & USJ, Lebanon) .
Time: 16:10-17:40
Location: Room 111
This meeting is open to TWG FCAS members and all who are interested in health systems in fragile and conflict-affected settings and are keen to join. The session will present the activities and achievements of the TWG FCAS since the HSR2022 conference in Bogota, and reflect on the preparation of the new 2025-28 cycle as the TWG will go through the ‘refresh’ process. The session will involve group work and exchanges with the audience as the team is keen to hear from everyone present about their interests, the topics and themes they would like to see covered and the activities that are most useful. The team welcomes volunteers to join the TWG for various roles and tasks.
Integration and resilience of health system responses for refugees: reflections from the experience of Mauritania – Maria Bertone, Queen Margaret University, UK. Will be presented on Friday 22nd. Abstract ID: 1302
“Art recoils from rules” – reflections on the ethical quandries of audio-visual work in the communication of health systems research – Kate Hawkins, Pamoja Communications, UK. Will be presented on Friday 22nd. Abstract ID: PFRK84