Nurses at a hospital in Tanzania (Photo: D. Powell/Swiss TPH)
Nurses at a hospital in Tanzania (Photo: D. Powell/Swiss TPH)

Systems and Policies

Swiss TPH works to build stronger, more equitable health systems to ensure that effective care reaches everyone, especially those who need it most.  We work with governments and stakeholders to turn research into real improvements in healthcare delivery and public health.

Health systems are more than hospitals – they include prevention, care, education, financing, and supply chains. We look at how social, economic and environmental factors influence health and promote cross-sector solutions to improve both individual and public well-being.

A Systems Thinking Approach

We use a practical, systems thinking approach to build stronger, more adaptive health systems. Our focus areas include:

  • Strong leadership and governance: We support structures that improve accountability, efficiency and strategic decision-making.
  • Skilled health workforce: We strengthen capacity-building initiatives to equip healthcare professionals with essential skills.
  • Reliable supply chains: We improve pharmaceutical and medical supply systems to ensure accessibility and quality.
  • Sustainable health financing: We develop policies that support universal health coverage (UHC) and reduce financial barriers to care.
  • Better data, smarter decisions: We improve health information systems to support real-time data collection and evidence-based policymaking.
  • Inclusive, high-quality care: We promote care that is patient-centred and sensitive to gender, age and social inclusion.

Turning Policy into Progress

Swiss TPH supports health policies that are practical, inclusive and based on real evidence. We design interventions that work across sectors and adapt to local realities – so they can grow and last over time.

We work closely with communities, health professionals and policymakers to ensure that systems reflect real-world needs – not just theory. By linking research to action, we help make health systems more resilient, equitable and effective.