• Health system strengthening approaches

Health system strengthening approaches

Effective engagement with fragile states depends on donor coordination and an understanding of health system challenges to inform the design of health programmes and selection of interventions. This overview document from USAID gives definitions of fragility, describes typologies used to analyse fragile states, and defines the six components of state functioning: stewardship, accountability, delivery of essential services, resource management, financing, and security. The authors consider the limitations of any rigid framework for classifying countries because of their complexity and unique context. The authors also provide humanitarian, political, security, economic, and public health reasons to become engaged with fragile states and explain why health is an entry point for engagement.

The document argues that providing health services has ramifications that go beyond satisfying the human need for such services. Health services, as well as education and development of infrastructure (such as roads and electrification), are an important part of strengthening the state. Positive developments in health service delivery can not only promote optimism about the future but also serve as a basis to move the government toward reform in other areas. In addition health service delivery may help prevent states from slipping into violence. Positive results in health service delivery can demonstrate a reform and provide the fledgling government more time to pursue further reforms and betterment of people’s lives. The authors also address health service delivery and development, challenges and lessons, and the essential principles for health sector interventions in fragile states.

• Full text of document
• Publisher details
• Send to a friend