Journal of social protection research
Volume 7, Numéro 1, Pages 05-24
2026-06-30

Building Integrated Social Health Protection Systems: Addressing Fragmentation And Ensuring Continuity Of Coverage Over The Life Cycle In The Mena Region



Authors : Phe Goursat Marielle .

Abstract

Social health protection (SHP) is a key component of universal social protection systems and a critical instrument for advancing universal health coverage. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, however, social health protection is often characterised by high levels of fragmentation across legal frameworks, institutions, financing arrangements and public policies. This fragmentation contributes to persistent gaps in effective coverage, inequity, and frequent interruptions of health protection over the life cycle. The objective of this article is to examine the concept of integrated social health protection and to analyse how integration can ensure continuity of coverage, equity in financing and in accessing heath care benefits, and enhance administrative efficiency in the MENA region. The methodology draws on international social security standards, comparative international experiences and analytical work. The article analyses integration across four interrelated dimensions: legal and regulatory frameworks, governance and administration, financing and risk pooling, and policy coherence across social protection branches and national development policies. The article highlights that fragmentation weakens the effectiveness of social protection responses to lifecycle risks overall. By contrast, integrated systems facilitate extension of coverage and maximise health outcomes. The article contributes a structured analytical framework to support policymakers and institutions in the MENA region in designing and implementing more coherent and life-cycle-oriented social health protection.

Keywords

integrated social health protection ; universal social protection ; MENA region ; Universal Health Coverage ; human right

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