Addressing corruption in the health sector

Corruption is one of the biggest threats to universal health coverage. Using a systems-thinking approach, this course draws on real-world examples and case studies to help you build the practical skills and insights needed to promote transparency and accountability across the health system.

‘Resources lost to corruption vastly exceed the resources the global health community invests in preventing it.’

U4 Blog, Dec 2025

Why should you take this course?

Many health sector strategies show a concerning lack of integrated anti-corruption measures. For example, our research shows that current strategic interventions by development partners tend towards the extremes – either broad governance reforms or narrowly targeted efforts.

But, of course, effective anti-corruption action in health depends on much more than development partner initiatives: it requires coalitions of government actors, health professionals, civil society organisations, and citizens. Building the skills and collaboration needed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and integrity across health systems is therefore essential to achieving lasting change.

In this course, U4’s experienced health sector anti-corruption advisers Daniela Cepeda Cuadrado and Daniel Sejerøe Hausenkamph will provide tailored guidance through case studies and discussions.

While we also offer a self-paced version, this facilitated course lets you engage more deeply with critical challenges and opportunities in health sector anti-corruption work. Through interactive reflection exercises, you will:

• Examine procurement risks and explore the critical role of civil society and other non-state actors in preventing abuse and strengthening accountability.
• Delve deeper into the relationship between health insurance systems and corruption risks at the service delivery level.
• Discuss the strengths and challenges of decentralised and centralised governance models for different health functions.
• Consider the growing role of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies.

Who is this course for?

We designed this course for development professionals, health policy actors, and anyone involved in health sector work – especially in the area of health system governance, equity, and transparency.

What will you learn?

During this course, you will:

• Analyse how corruption manifests across health system functions, including service delivery, human resources, medicines, and financing.
• Identify corruption risks and anti-corruption opportunities using systems thinking.
• Evaluate the impact of corruption on health equity, rights, and outcomes.
• Apply relevant tools and interventions to address corruption across the health system.

What is the course format?

This is a facilitated, expert-led course with guidance throughout. You will combine self-study, webinars, and group discussions in an online forum.

You will receive a U4 certificate after completion.

Free of charge

The course cost is covered through the U4 partnership.

How much time do you need?

The course duration is 3 weeks. Spend 3–5 hours per week on materials, discussions, and live online sessions.

When is the next course?

7–25 September 2026.

Who can apply?

U4 online courses are primarily for U4 partner staff and their guests. A limited number of places are available for applicants from NGOs, academia, and multilateral organisations.

In case of high demand, priority will be given to ensure a diverse group of participants (role, organisation, gender, location).

Unfortunately, we cannot prioritise applicants without direct relevance to U4 partners’ work.

How to apply

Click the register button on this page to apply for a place on the next course:

• Log in to the learning platform and fill in the application form with a brief text on your:
• Professional background.
• Reasons for applying.
• Thoughts on how the course will benefit you.

We will notify you near the time if you have been allocated a seat.

Course prerequisites

You are required to complete the self-paced module Anti-corruption I: The basics before joining.

Recommended but not required: self-paced course Anti-Corruption II: From understanding to intervention