SHC's founder Ged Byrne led the development and delivery of The Better Health Programme
Introduction
The Better Health Programme (BHP) was a UK government-funded global health initiative aimed at improving health outcomes in middle-income countries through policy development, capacity building, and healthcare system strengthening. It was part of the UK’s Global Health Security Programme and operated between 2019 and 2022 in partnership with seven countries: Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
This case study explores the objectives, implementation, key outcomes, challenges, and lessons learned from the BHP.
Objectives of the Better Health Programme
The BHP sought to address key health challenges in partner countries, particularly focusing on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. The specific objectives included:
Health System Strengthening – Enhancing policies, training healthcare professionals, and integrating digital health solutions.
Public Health Interventions – Supporting government-led health initiatives to prevent and manage NCDs.
Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building – Facilitating partnerships between UK health institutions and partner country health systems.
Private Sector Engagement – Encouraging innovation and investment in health solutions.
Implementation and Key Initiatives
BHP worked closely with governments, public health bodies, and private sector partners. Some notable interventions included:
1. Digital Health and Innovation
In Mexico and Brazil, BHP introduced digital tools to improve data collection for NCD management.
In South Africa, it supported the development of mobile health applications for patient engagement.
2. Policy Development and Training
In the Philippines, the programme helped integrate UK best practices into national health policies on obesity prevention.
In Vietnam, BHP contributed to policy frameworks for diabetes prevention and management.
3. Public Health Campaigns
In Malaysia and Thailand, BHP supported mass campaigns on healthy lifestyles and nutrition to reduce obesity rates.
4. Strengthening Primary Healthcare Services
In Brazil, the programme collaborated with local health providers to improve early detection and management of hypertension.
Key Outcomes and Impact
The Better Health Programme achieved significant progress in multiple areas:
✅ Policy Improvements – Several countries adopted new NCD prevention policies influenced by UK expertise.
✅ Health Workforce Development – Thousands of healthcare professionals were trained in NCD management and digital health applications.
✅ Public Awareness Growth – Large-scale campaigns reached millions, increasing knowledge about healthy diets, exercise, and preventive care.
✅ Innovative Health Solutions – Strengthened the role of telemedicine and mobile health technologies in partner countries.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Despite its success, the BHP faced several challenges:
COVID-19 Pandemic – The outbreak in 2020 disrupted planned activities, requiring rapid adaptation to digital engagement.
Policy Implementation Gaps – While policies were developed, translating them into effective action required ongoing support and funding.
Health System Differences – Each country had unique challenges, requiring tailored approaches rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Key lessons include:
✅ Flexibility in Programme Design – Adapting to crises like COVID-19 was crucial.
✅ Sustained Local Partnerships – Long-term collaborations with governments and local organisations ensured impact beyond the programme’s timeframe.
✅ Leveraging Digital Health – Technology played a vital role in scaling health solutions effectively.
Conclusion
The Better Health Programme successfully strengthened health policies and systems in seven middle-income countries, contributing to better prevention and management of NCDs. While challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic posed difficulties, the programme’s ability to adapt, foster partnerships, and promote digital innovation ensured meaningful and lasting impacts.
Future global health initiatives can build on BHP’s success by prioritising sustainable policies, digital health solutions, and collaborative partnerships.
Comments