Making Health Systems Work Series
The series in English
The "Making Health Systems Work" working paper series
is designed to make current thinking and actual experience on different aspects of health systems available in a simple and concise format for busy decision makers. The papers are
available in hard copy and on the WHO health system website.
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Strengthening management in low-income countries: lessons from Uganda
pdf, 450kb
Using the WHO framework for management development, this case study reviews management capacity building in Uganda over the past 5 years. The review covers impact on the numbers of managers, their competencies, management support systems and the working environment. (40 pages)
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Towards better leadership and management in health
pdf, 723kb
A report on an international consultation on strengthening health leadership and management in low-income countries, 29 January - 1 February 2007, Accra, Ghana. It includes agreements on key issues, a framework for action, a set of good practice principles, and recommendations on actions. (37 pages)
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Aid effectiveness and health
pdf, 299kb
This paper discusses aid effectiveness, stressing the unique complexities of the health sector. Recent approaches to improving aid effectiveness for health are examined and suggestions are made that support the principles of the Paris Declaration. (25 pages)
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Managing the Health Millennium Development Goals - The challenge of management strengthening: Lessons from three countries
pdf, 1.07Mb
Building upon Working Paper No. 1 this paper further explores the range of management development approaches in use in developing countries. Lessons from South Africa, Togo, and Uganda demonstrate that a package of interventions is generally needed to improve management, with local ownership to sustain it. (44 pages)
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Economics and Financial Management: What do District Managers Need to Know?
pdf, 358kb
A summary of interviews with managers in eight countries and analysis of related tools and training materials. The paper presents a list of core topics for district health managers in the fields of health economics and financial management based on the challenges they face, such as multiple funding sources and the need to raise additional funds. (40 pages)
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Improving health services and strengthening health systems: Adopting and implementing innovative strategies - An exploratory review in twelve countries
pdf, 677kb
A review of implementation and impact of eight strategies for improving service delivery in twelve low-income countries: Contracting with NGO's, delegation of authority, user fees exemptions, subsidies for the poor, performance related pay and incentives, reorganizing outreach workers and social marketing. (29 pages)
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Opportunities for Global Health Initiatives in the Health Systems Action Agenda
pdf, 210kb
There is increasing realization that the goals of Global Health Initiatives (GHIs) are unlikely to be met without building health system capacity. This paper discusses the meaning of health system strengthening, possible returns on investment in it, actions needed and metrics for tracking progress. (23 pages)
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Working with the Non-state Sector to Achieve Public Health Goals
pdf, 548kb
This paper presents key challenges and proposes some strategies for working with the non-state sector to achieve public health goals. Roles and capacities of government and non-state actors are reviewed, as are priorities for action. (17 pages)
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Strengthening Management in Low Income Countries
pdf, 299kb
Management capacity is often cited as a constraint to achieving public health goals, yet the course of change remains unclear. This paper summarizes key challenges and effective strategies in developing middle management capacity in low-income countries, and the role of the international community. (20 pages)