Health System Strengthening
Health system strengthening refers to the process of improving the capacity of health systems to deliver essential health services efficiently, equitably, and sustainably. It encompasses multiple building blocks defined by the WHO including service delivery, health workforce, information, medical products, financing, and leadership.
Core Dimensions
- Service Delivery: Enhancing quality and accessibility of care.
- Health Workforce: Strengthening recruitment, retention, and training of health professionals.
- Health Information Systems: Improving data collection and utilization for decision-making.
- Medical Products: Ensuring availability of essential medicines and vaccines.
- Financing: Implementing mechanisms for equitable access and financial protection.
- Leadership/Governance: Establishing effective oversight and accountability.
Key Developments
- Recent focus on integrating digital tools to enhance system resilience and efficiency.
- WHO guideline provides specific recommendations on digital interventions for health system strengthening, published in 2019 by the World Health Organization.
References
- WHO Building Blocks framework.
- Digital health interventions as a strategic lever for system improvement.