Corruption undermines access to quality health services and weakens health systems around the world. This course introduces the most common types and drivers of corruption in the health sector, explores their impact on health outcomes, and presents concrete strategies and tools for preventing and responding to corruption risks. Using a systems-thinking approach, it draws on real-world examples and case studies to equip learners with practical skills and insights to promote transparency and accountability across the health system.

Course type

Self-paced. Take the course in your own speed, without fixed deadlines or scheduled classes.

Work your way through videos, reading materials, interactive exercises, and quizzes.

Time commitment

Approximately 2–3 hours total (divided across 10-20-minute modules)

What you will learn

• How corruption manifests in health systems, including service delivery, human resources, medicines, and financing
• How to apply systems-thinking to identify corruption risks and anti-corruption opportunities
• How to evaluate the impact of corruption on health equity, rights, and outcomes
• Tools and interventions to address corruption across the health system

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify key corruption risks in health systems using the WHO building blocks
• Explain the consequences of corruption on health outcomes and equity
• Assess feasible anti-corruption interventions in various health system areas
• Apply acquired knowledge to promote ACTA (Anti-Corruption, Transparency, and Accountability) in your own context

Who is the course for

This course is designed for development professionals, health policy actors, and anyone working in or with the health sector—particularly those engaged in improving governance, equity, and transparency in health systems.