Health system strengthening: an essential part of universal health coverage

Purpose and use
This evaluation of Phase One of the Challenging the Politics of Social Exclusion (CPSE) project (2018–2024) assesses achievements, challenges, and lessons to inform future research-to-policy programming. It supports design and implementation of CPSE 2.0 (2024–2027), focusing on relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability. Primary users include APHRC leadership, CPSE staff, and Sida Africa region staff.

Conclusion
CPSE 1.0 advanced policy commitments on SRHR and social inclusion, strengthened partnerships, and produced relevant research. However, gaps in monitoring, planning, and stakeholder engagement limit scalability. The project’s MEL system and knowledge management lacked structure, and the absence of a medium-term strategy hindered sustainability.

Recommendation
CPSE 2.0 should adopt a medium-term strategic plan, clarify roles across its three pillars, and improve MEL systems. A Partner Map and typology should guide collaboration, while systems thinking and joint programming can enhance impact. Innovative financing and operational engagement with decisionmakers
are key to sustaining progress.

The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has risen dramatically in recent years, exceeding 83 million by the end of 2024.1 Internal displacement is driven mainly by new and escalating conflicts but also by climate disasters.

This brief highlights the need for joined-up humanitarian, development and peace-building efforts,a so called “HDP nexus approach” to strengthening the work to find solutions to internal displacement. Sida supports a number of development interventions aimed at providing solutions for IDPs and affected communities, complementing humanitarian assistance.