The session will focus specifically on how values-based approaches can enhance the quality of care in health systems, particularly within policy and practice contexts. Drawing from the Values-20 South Africa policy paper, the discussion will examine how grounding health systems in values such as dignity, ubuntu, ethical governance, solidarity, and agency can transform how care is delivered, experienced, and governed.
Purpose of the session:
This webinar is being held as part of the lead-up to the Values-20 Conference and G20 Summit in South Africa, and is a joint initiative of the Values-20 South Africa team, the Collaborating Centre for Values-Based Practice in Health and Social Care (based at St Catherines College, Oxford), International Working Group for Health Systems Strengthening and World Values Day
It will serve as a platform to present and reflect on key health policy recommendations developed for the Values-20 Communiqué, with a specific emphasis on improving quality of care through a values-based approach. It will also offer participants an opportunity to provide feedback, identify gaps, and help shape the final recommendations for the dialogue with G20.
Why focus on quality of care?
Expanding access to health services is essential, but health equality is incomplete without a clear focus on quality. As the WHO and the Lancet Global Health Commission have noted, poor-quality care has become a greater barrier to reducing mortality than lack of access in many settings. At present 60% of deaths from conditions amenable to healthcare are attributable to poor-quality care. This webinar will explore how quality must be understood not only in clinical terms, but in how individuals experience care—how they are treated, respected, and heard within the health system. A values-based approach sees quality as inseparable from justice, compassion, and human dignity.
Key focus areas:
The session will explore four areas where values can meaningfully strengthen quality of care as per the recommendations of the Lancet Commission on High-Quality Health Systems :
- Governing for quality: Embedding values into national strategies, regulation, and accountability
- Service delivery: Designing care that is people-centred, community-rooted, and inclusive
- Health workforce: Supporting health workers through dignified, ethical, and purpose-driven leadership
- Community engagement: Amplifying civic voice and accountability in health decision-making
Expected outcomes:
- Shared understanding of how values-based approaches can improve quality of care
- Critical feedback and contributions to refine V20 recommendations for the G20
- Strengthened cross-sector dialogue around practical strategies for building values-driven health systems
This webinar will be held on Zoom. A link will be sent to all those who have registered ahead of the event.
