Building Stronger Public Health Institutions and Systems (BIS), Phase 2
Article
|Published
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) has launched the second phase of the Norad-funded BIS programme for 2025–2029 to strengthen public health institutions and systems in partner low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The BIS programme aims to help build competent, resilient health systems supported by strong public health institutions in four countries, as well as through regional and global efforts. It aims to promote mutual learning that strengthens public health capacity both in Norway and internationally. Its overall vision is to reduce disease-related morbidity, mortality, and poverty through partnerships with public health institutions, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3.
The programme supports collaboration in Ethiopia, Malawi, Nepal, and Palestine, while continuing selected activities from BIS 1 in Uganda and Ghana. It also builds on Norad-funded work under the Global Health Preparedness Program (GHPP), Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programmes, and BIS 1.
The programme also strengthens public health capacity through collaboration with global and multinational organisations, particularly the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI), and WHO.
Principles and Main Outcomes
The programme is guided by equality and mutual learning, national ownership, sustainability, and ethical responsibility. It emphasises the use of the best available knowledge and the ability to adapt to context. A human rights perspective underpins all activities, alongside cross-cutting priorities such as gender, climate, and zero tolerance for corruption.
Because cooperation is shaped by local context, mutual interests, and partner demand, the specific areas of work vary across countries. On an overall basis, the work is focusing on digital health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and mental health, evidence-informed decision making, and climate and health. The main outcomes are stronger public health functions, greater public health capacity, and increased support to LMICs through global networks and organisations.
Multilevel Public Health Capacity Building
A core element of the BIS programme is twinning; long-term partnerships between public health institutions and other partners that share expertise and strengthen systems and capacity in national and global health contexts.
This approach is based on technical and scientific cooperation guided by international standards. It emphasises shared learning, stronger knowledge and systems, links to international networks, and a focus on equity, human rights, and women’s role in governance.
The programme strengthens public health capacity at four levels: individual, institutional, national, and global/regional. Depending on country context and identified needs, activities may focus more on one level while still supporting a broader long-term approach. The figure below illustrates this model.
BIS Management Team
- BIS Manager: Knut Nyfløt
- Country Coordinator: Mari Nythun Utheim and Silje Gunlaug Yun Eng
- Grant Manager: Andrea Indrehus Furuli