The 8th Global Symposium on Health Systems Research (HSR2024) is set to take place from November 18 to 22, 2024, in Nagasaki, Japan. This biennial event is a pivotal gathering for stakeholders in health systems and policy research, aiming to foster collaboration and innovation in addressing global health challenges.
Theme and Sub-Themes
The overarching theme for HSR2024 is "Building Just and Sustainable Health Systems: Centering People and Protecting the Planet." This theme reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of health systems, social justice, and environmental sustainability. The symposium will explore four sub-themes:
- Strengthening Health Systems for Planetary Health
- Advancing Justice, Inclusion, and Belonging in Health Systems
- Health Governance, Policy, and Institutional Frameworks for Just and Sustainable Health Systems
- Knowledge for Just Health Systems
Key Sessions and Opportunities
HSR2024 will feature a variety of sessions designed to address critical issues in health systems research:
- Healthy Planet, Healthy People: Focuses on collective actions needed to create climate-sensitive health systems that support universal health coverage.
- Designing Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Health Services: A capacity-building session to help decision-makers develop policies promoting low-carbon health services.
- Advancing Universal Health Coverage through Transformative Partnerships: An invitation-only workshop exploring co-financing modalities for health system strengthening in the Asia-Pacific region.
Participants will also have opportunities to engage in satellite sessions, oral presentations, and poster exhibitions showcasing innovative research and practices globally.
Registration Details
Registration for HSR2024 is now open, with early bird rates available until August 12, 2024. The fees are structured to accommodate participants from different economic backgrounds:
- Registrants from high-income countries: $1,340 (early bird) / $1,440 (regular)
- Registrants from low- and middle-income countries: $540 (early bird) / $640 (regular)
- Students: $560 (early bird) / $660 (regular)
Target Participants
The symposium aims to attract a diverse group of stakeholders including researchers, policymakers, funders, implementers, and civil society representatives. This diverse participation is crucial for fostering cross-sectoral collaboration and ensuring that discussions reflect a wide range of perspectives.
Broader Context: Climate Change and Health
The context of HSR2024 is particularly relevant given the escalating impacts of climate change on global health. According to reports from authoritative sources like the World Bank and the World Economic Forum, climate change poses significant risks to health systems worldwide. These risks include increased heat-related illnesses, changing patterns of infectious diseases, and heightened vulnerability among marginalized populations.
The symposium's focus on building resilient health systems aligns with global efforts to address these challenges, emphasizing climate-sensitive policies and practices to contribute to a more sustainable future for health systems globally.
Conclusion
The 8th Global Symposium on Health Systems Research represents a critical opportunity for stakeholders across various sectors to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of health systems. With its emphasis on justice, sustainability, and resilience in the face of climate change, HSR2024 is poised to influence policy decisions and research agendas that will shape global health outcomes for years to come. Participants are encouraged to register early to secure their place at this important event.