Bilateral and multilateral policy
Development agencies' policies and strategies evolve over time. There is an unusual degree of consensus at present on the objectives and focus of development efforts in the form of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the need to focus on poverty reduction. There is also growing consensus on broad aid policy and the need for harmonisation of aid mechanisms and requirements. However the views of donors on different aid instruments, such as SWAps and budget support, still vary widely.
Within health there is also broad consensus on priorities, but also differences on issues like the role and advantages of global health initiatives; the relative importance of systems strengthening versus immediate health needs; and the role and funding of hospitals.
Listed here are a number health sector strategy papers for bilateral and multilateral agencies. For more information, see the Aid Resource Guide.
- Strengthening of health systems for equity and development in Africa
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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.
Recommended readings
- Working together for better health
- ( Department for International Development, UK , 2007)
- This paper sets out DFID's strategy to support developing countries in improving the health of their people and reaching the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The paper outlines three major challen...
- Healthy development: the World Bank strategy for health, nutrition, and population results
- ( Health, Nutrition and Population Division, Human Development Department, World Bank , 2007)
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This World Bank strategy paper updates the 1997 Health, Nutrition, and Population (HNP) Strategy, and outlines the Bank’s vision and plan of action necessary to strengthen the Bank’s ca...
Latest Additions
- Countries are not opting to use AIDS funds in ways that strengthen their whole health system
- ( C. Connor / Health Systems 20/20 , 2008)
- This article from Health Systems 20/20 summarises four sessions from the Mexico 2008 AIDS conference that look at how the AIDS response is affecting country health systems. It describes presentations ...
- Is the IMF responsible for the shortage of doctors, nurses and teachers in developing countries?
- ( R. Rowden / IFIwatchnet , 2008)
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This paper highlights the shortage of doctors, nurses and teachers hired in developing countries. It critically addresses current International Monetary Fund (IMF) policies with a focus on the need...
