Health Systems Strengthening
Building Resilient, Integrated, and Locally Driven Health Systems
From Nairobi to New Delhi, from Kigali to Lima, the Global South is at the forefront of a profound transformation in health. Yet many countries still face health systems that are fragmented, underfunded, and ill-equipped to meet the growing demands of their people.
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At Savanna Global Health Institute (SGHI), we are redefining how systems strengthening is done — from fragmented programs to integrated, data-driven, and people-centered solutions.
Problem
Across the Global South, health systems remain constrained by structural and systemic challenges that prevent equitable, high-quality healthcare from reaching those who need it most.
Underfunded and fragmented systems
​Many countries rely heavily on donor support and projectized funding, resulting in vertical programs that address single diseases but fail to strengthen the system as a whole.
Data and interoperability gaps
​Disconnected information systems and limited use of analytics constrain evidence-based decision-making and accountability.
Infrastructure and workforce deficits
​Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) shoulder over 80% of the global disease burden but only 20% of the global health workforce, creating chronic gaps in access and quality.
Supply chain weaknesses
Frequent stockouts and unreliable procurement systems limit access to essential medicines, vaccines and diagnostics.
Inequities in access
​Rural, remote, and informal settlements continue to face barriers in service delivery, while urban areas experience overcrowded facilities and uneven quality.
At a strategic level, limited domestic financing, weak governance, and the slow uptake of digital technologies hinder system integration and long-term sustainability.
Emerging pressures — including climate-related health risks, aging populations, and rising non-communicable diseases — are further stretching already fragile systems.
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To build truly resilient health systems, the Global South must adopt holistic, country-owned approaches that connect policy, financing, data, and delivery — enabling inclusive, adaptive systems capable of achieving universal health coverage (UHC).
Why it matters
Strong health systems are not only essential for public health — they are the foundation of economic resilience, social equity, and national security.
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More than half of the global population still lacks access to essential health services, with the majority living in LMICs.
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The World Bank estimates that inefficiencies in health spending cost developing countries over US $200 billion annually — funds that could otherwise save millions of lives.
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During COVID-19, weak health information systems and supply chains delayed outbreak response and vaccine rollouts, revealing the urgent need for integrated digital and financial systems.
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Every US $1 invested in primary healthcare in LMICs yields an estimated US $16 in economic benefits through improved productivity, education, and stability.
Investing in system-wide reform is therefore one of the most powerful levers for achieving sustainable development, equitable growth, and long-term resilience across the Global South.
SGHI’s solution
SGHI applies a first-principles, systems-thinking approach to strengthening health systems — aligning digital transformation, financing reform, governance, and capacity building into one integrated model.
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Our work spans multiple regions and levels of engagement — from local clinics to national ministries — always grounded in country ownership and sustainable partnerships
Strengthening Health Governance and Accountability
We help countries design inclusive governance structures that improve coordination, align national and subnational priorities, and embed accountability through transparent data and performance management systems.
Advancing Health Financing Reform
SGHI works to improve how health systems are financed — from resource mobilization and pooling to purchasing and spending.
We promote data-driven, efficient, and equitable financing mechanisms that strengthen domestic sustainability and reduce reliance on external aid.
Building Digital and Data Systems
We support the integration of digital health infrastructure and data analytics tools that link financial, administrative, and clinical information.
This enables governments to track resources, monitor service delivery, and make evidence-based decisions in real time.
Empowering the Health Workforce and Institutions
SGHI prioritizes investments in human capacity — equipping leaders, managers, and frontline providers with the skills to plan, implement, and sustain reforms.
We facilitate knowledge exchange, peer learning, and leadership development to institutionalize change.
Fostering Innovation and Local Solutions
Our systems approach emphasizes locally led innovation — adapting global best practices to national realities, promoting open standards, and ensuring that digital and technological solutions are ethical, affordable, and context-appropriate.
Together, these levers create a foundation for resilient, inclusive, and responsive health systems capable of delivering high-quality care for all.