The Joint Learning Network for Universal Health Coverage (JLN) has been a central part of The Rockefeller Foundation’s work towards advancing health and achieving universal health coverage (UHC), through our flagship health initiative, Transforming Health Systems. The vision of the JLN is one of strong leadership from country members, collaboration, shared learning and joint problem solving among high-level practitioners, staff in ministries of health and policy-makers in Africa and Asia as they progress towards UHC. During its first three years, the JLN, approach has shown tremendous value. This report captures the highlights of success to date and shares findings from a recent strategic review.
The past year has seen growing global commitment to achieving UHC, including a historic United Nations resolution in 2012, and a speech by Jim Kim, President of the World Bank at the 2013 World Health Assembly that highlighted the opportunity for UHC to serve as an overarching health goal in the post-2015 dialogue. As global momentum for UHC grows, so too has enthusiasm for the JLN as a model of South-South learning and exchange.
As the founding funder of the JLN, The Rockefeller Foundation is grateful for the partnership and commitment of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, GIZ, the World Bank and the World Health Organization. This report charts how the JLN can build a strong governance structure and grow towards sustainability, led by its country members. With such a foundation and a record of achievement, I am confident that the JLN can continue to achieve real progress in countries across the globe towards the goal of universal health coverage.