Reseach Hub - Support to social protection and social health protection (SP-SHP)
The “Research Hub”, implemented with GIZ’s Support to Social Protection – Social Health Protection (SP-SHP) programme, is designed to strengthen evidence-based policymaking in Pakistan’s social protection and social health protection sectors, with a focus on Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. By connecting government stakeholders and policymakers with local and international researchers, including academic institutions, the project promotes a more integrated, knowledge-driven approach to social and social health protection programming, ensuring that policies are responsive to actual needs.
The Research Hub facilitates high-quality, policy-relevant research in key areas such as financing, administration, service delivery, and impact assessment of major programmes like Ehsaas, the Sehat Sahulat Programme, and KP’s universal health coverage. It also serves as a platform for capacity-building, knowledge management, and interdisciplinary collaboration—bringing together experts in economics, public policy, sociology, and health systems.
The project is structured around four interlinked work packages: supporting the establishment and operationalisation of the Research Hub; producing applied research and communication materials; strengthening the research capacities of local partner universities; and facilitating dialogue to communicate research findings to technical and political stakeholders.
Through these coordinated efforts, the project ensures that the Research Hub becomes a sustainable and practical resource for advancing inclusive, transparent, and effective social protection systems. Aligned with BMZ’s 2030 reform strategy and the SDGs, the Research Hub aims to ensure that social protection systems in Pakistan are more transparent, responsive, and effective in meeting citizens’ needs.
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