WHO launches Global Service Delivery Network for universal health coverage

A global network aimed at supporting the implementation of the WHO Framework on integrated people-centred health services (IPCHS) has been established by the WHO Service Delivery and Safety Department. 

The WHO Global Service Delivery Network (GSDN) was launched on 20 June in Almaty, Kazakhstan, alongside the first Primary Health Care Advisory Group meeting to the WHO Regional Director/EURO and WHO inter-regional hospitals meeting.

The GSDN is a related initiative of UHC2030, and aims to strengthen knowledge exchange, collaboration and advocacy on integrated people-centred health service delivery for universal health coverage. 

The GSDN has a crucial role to raise global awareness about and advocate for IPCHS by actively engaging with global efforts, initiatives, organisations and other key stakeholders.

In order to achieve its aim, the GSDN will focus on four interrelated objectives:

1. To play an active role in facilitating and advocating for integrated and people-centred health services.
2. To support exchange of information and knowledge among key stakeholders building on existing knowledge platforms, especially through the IntegratedCare4People web platform.
3. To help mobilize financial and non-financial resources to support IPCHS implementation.
4. To strengthen collaboration on integrated people-centred health service delivery, with eventual linkage to networks focused on specific areas of service delivery

First meeting

The first meeting of the GSDN took place on 22 June and convened an initial group of network members representing professional associations, civil society groups and other non-governmental organizations including:

• International Council of Nurses (ICN)
• International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC)
• International Patients Alliance Organization (IAPO)
• International Hospital Federation (IHF)
• Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI)
• World Family Doctor (WONCA)
• World Public Health Association (WPHA)

Network members had the opportunity to meet, discuss and provide input on ways of moving the network forward.

Photo: @WHO Henrietta Allen