Abstract:Background Universal Health Coverage implementation was upended by the pandemic, halting health systems integration efforts to operationalize UHC. Local health leaders lead the UHC implementation and have a significant stake in the provinces’ health systems integration work. Description This paper talks about a fast-tracked leadership training program for the DOH regional UHC core team in North Luzon, Philippines, aimed at improving leadership skills and technical knowledge, while also recording how the regional UHC core team helps speed up the implementation of UHC. Applying the 70-20-10 learning and development framework, participants received training, coaching, mentoring, and technical assistance. These provided them with strategies that they applied immediately to collaborate with provincial and other stakeholders. Lessons Learned Improved leadership and technical competencies gained from the program resulted in the creation of effective regional UHC core teams in the Cordillera Administrative, Ilocos, and Cagayan Valley regions, which improved technical support and involved PhilHealth officers, and other national government agencies in UHC implementation. These improvements resulted in achieving faster integration of the health system and more local officials committing to UHC implementation in CAR, Cagayan Valley, and the Ilocos region. Next steps Sustain and expand learning opportunities for DOH Regional UHC Core Team members through the Bayang Malusog Community of Practice. This platform will continue to serve as a key mechanism for deepening their technical expertise and enhancing their leadership capabilities. By doing so, regional teams will be better equipped to provide high-quality technical assistance, coaching, and mentoring to provincial and city health leaders empowering local systems to advance health system integration and fulfill the vision of Universal Health Coverage across the country.
Keywords: Health Systems and Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Universal Health Coverage, Leadership training, Health Systems Integration, Health Leadership Development
