Responsive health systems
Strengthening of health systems for equity and development in Africa
Africa health strategy 2007-2015
Authors:
Publisher:
African Union , 2007
This strategy paper sets out the objectives and strategic approaches of the African Union ministers of health in order to improve the health of its people and ensure access to essential health care for all Africans, especially the poorest and most marginalised by 2015. It provides an overarching framework to enable coherence within and between countries, civil society and the international community.
The paper explores challenges to reducing the burden of disease and improving development and also draws on existing opportunities. It sets out health systems factors that undermine efforts to reduce the disease burden in Africa including:
- insufficient sustainable financial resources and the efficient allocation of resources
- lack of social protection for vulnerable groups, especially those in catastrophic situations
- a shortage of appropriately trained and motivated health workers
- poor commodity security and supply systems and unfair trade practices favouring rich countries
- capacity of the private sector including non-governmental organisations is not fully mobilised.
The overall objective of the strategy is to strengthen health systems in order to reduce ill-health and accelerate progress towards the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals in Africa. More specifically:
- to facilitate the development of initiatives to strengthen national health systems in member states by 2009
- to facilitate stronger collaboration between the health and other sectors to improve the socio-economic and political environment for improving health
- to facilitate the scaling up of health interventions in member states including through regional and intergovernmental bodies.
The paper describes the strategic approaches that are required to achieve these objectives. It discusses issues relating to governance, financing, human resources, supply systems, community participation and empowerment, partnerships and health management information and research.
