WHO health systems building blocks

Simple and affordable technologies can prevent or cure the majority of the diseases contributing to high mortality rates. But especially in fragile states, acquiring drugs, vaccines, information and other forms of prevention, care or treatment – on time, reliably, in sufficient quantity and at reasonable cost – for those who need them is the major problem. In fragile states especially, the health systems needed to achieve these objectives either do not exist, are weak, or are on the point of collapse.

The creation of strong health systems is not an end in itself - it is a means to achieve better health outcomes. Effective and equitable health systems are not only required for achieving the MDGs (see the section “Introduction: Health in Fragile States”), but strengthening health systems is essential if the current increase in aid for health (see “Aid Effectiveness in Fragile States”) is to be well spent and sustained in the future.

Recognising that there is no single set of best practices that can be put forward as a model for improved performance, WHO has developed a Framework for Action which consists of six building blocks. These building blocks outline the essential functions of a health system, and can be used as a framework for planning and priority-setting. This section of the dossier outlines these building blocks, with a specific focus on how they apply to fragile states.