Governance and health
- From humanitarian and post-conflict assistance to health system strengthening in fragile states: clarifying the transition and the role of NGOs
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In fragile states, particularly those that have experienced extended periods of conflict, health systems have typically been seriously eroded and damaged. This policy brief focuses on the transition from emergency assistance and relief to strengthening the health system for the long term, and the role of NGOs and how they can help fragile states to rehabilitate their health systems.
Health systems are strongly influenced by the institutional framework within which they operate. This section of the resource guide explores some of the relationships that influence provision of health services.
The government plays a central role in establishing the institutional framework for the health sector. It provides broad policy directions. It defines the terms and conditions of public sector employment and the relationship between central and local governments and providers of health services. It also legislates and enforces regulations to prevent dangerous practices and protect the public.
A wide variety of organisations have a stake in the health sector, including bodies that represent different categories of health workers, groups of users of services and non-governmental providers of services. Their behaviour strongly influences the implementation of health policies and they need to be involved in decisions that affect their members.
Users of health services also influence providers. One way to make them more effective is to provide information on the kinds of services they require and on the performance of health facilities. Another way is to provide mechanisms through which they can voice their concerns and participate in monitoring provider performance.
For more information on wider governance issues, see the Governance and Social Development Resource Centre.
Latest Additions
- The global production and consumption of illicit drugs is shrinking
- ( United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime , 2009)
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This annual report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) analyses market trends, and compiles detailed statistics on illicit drug markets for cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines, an...
- Basic health care services in Afghanistan
- ( Management Sciences for Health , 2005)
- Since the creation of the Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS) in Afghanistan in 2003 the country has seen many positive changes in its health care system. This document from the Ministry of Public...
