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statUs oF HEaltH sECtor stratEGiC PlaNs iN FiVE CoUNtriEs oF tHE wHo aFriCaN rEGioN
Abstract
Objectives: to assess the adequacy of the existing strategic plans and compare the format and
content of health sector strategic plans with the guidelines in selected countries of the african
region.
Data source: the health strategic plans for Gambia, liberia, Malawi, tanzania and Uganda, which
are kept at the wHo/aFro, were reviewed.
Data extraction: all health strategic plans among the anglophone countries (Gambia, Ghana, Kenya,
liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe) that were developed after
the year 2000 were eligible for inclusion. Fifty percent of these countries that fitted this criterion
were randomly selected. they included Gambia, liberia, Malawi, tanzania and Uganda.
the analysis framework used in the review included situation analysis; an assessment of
appropriateness of strategies that are selected; well developed indicators for each strategy; the
match between the service and outcomes targets with available resources; and existence of a clear
framework for partnership engagement for implementation.
Data synthesis: Most of the strategic plans identify key ill health conditions and their contributing
factors. Health service and resource gaps are described but not quantified in the Botswana, Gambia,
Malawi, tanzania strategic documents. Most of the plans selected strategies that related to the
situational analysis. Generally, countries’ plans had clear indicators. Matching service and outcome
targets to available resources was the least addressed area in majority of the plans. Most of the
strategic plans identified stakeholders and acknowledged their participation in the implementation,
providing different levels of comprehensiveness.
Conclusion: some of the areas that are well addressed according to the analysis framework included:
addressing the strategic concerns of the health policies; identifying key partners for implementation;
and selection of appropriate strategies. The following areas needed more emphasis: quantification
of health system gaps; setting targets that are cognisant of the local resource base; and being more
explicit in what stakeholders’ roles are during the implementation period.
content of health sector strategic plans with the guidelines in selected countries of the african
region.
Data source: the health strategic plans for Gambia, liberia, Malawi, tanzania and Uganda, which
are kept at the wHo/aFro, were reviewed.
Data extraction: all health strategic plans among the anglophone countries (Gambia, Ghana, Kenya,
liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe) that were developed after
the year 2000 were eligible for inclusion. Fifty percent of these countries that fitted this criterion
were randomly selected. they included Gambia, liberia, Malawi, tanzania and Uganda.
the analysis framework used in the review included situation analysis; an assessment of
appropriateness of strategies that are selected; well developed indicators for each strategy; the
match between the service and outcomes targets with available resources; and existence of a clear
framework for partnership engagement for implementation.
Data synthesis: Most of the strategic plans identify key ill health conditions and their contributing
factors. Health service and resource gaps are described but not quantified in the Botswana, Gambia,
Malawi, tanzania strategic documents. Most of the plans selected strategies that related to the
situational analysis. Generally, countries’ plans had clear indicators. Matching service and outcome
targets to available resources was the least addressed area in majority of the plans. Most of the
strategic plans identified stakeholders and acknowledged their participation in the implementation,
providing different levels of comprehensiveness.
Conclusion: some of the areas that are well addressed according to the analysis framework included:
addressing the strategic concerns of the health policies; identifying key partners for implementation;
and selection of appropriate strategies. The following areas needed more emphasis: quantification
of health system gaps; setting targets that are cognisant of the local resource base; and being more
explicit in what stakeholders’ roles are during the implementation period.
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