Communication mechanisms with and between donors

Lack of effective communication and coordination of activities between organisations that provide and distribute aid can result in duplication of efforts and wasted resources. These parallel processes place burdens on countries with already limited capacity to lead the health sector and increase transaction costs. In addition, many organisations do not share information with each other about planned missions and reports resulting in further duplications.

In Bangladesh it is reported that poor communication between the government and development partners has undermined the success of the health SWAp. Lack of effective mechanisms for dialogue has meant stakeholders have been unable to deal with emerging issues. This weakened the SWAp and for a time practice reverted back to one-to-one discussions and issue specific meetings.

All this can also be exacerbated by disconnects between headquarter and country level operations due to the challenges of translating strategic goals and directions into new ways of working. Simultaneously, agency or programme incentives can continue to favour a project mode of work due to the ability to access specific funds, or because such projects can demonstrate attributable results.