scholarly journals Japan’s development cooperation for health in Vietnam: A first holistic assessment on Japan’s ODA and non-ODA public resources cooperation

Author(s):  
Sangnim Lee ◽  
Hisateru Tachimori ◽  
Maaya Kita Sugai ◽  
Aya Ishizuka ◽  
Manami Uechi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background To achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which is the core driver of health Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by 2030, Japan strives to strengthen its development cooperation by mobilizing various resources. However, the involvement and roles of various actors from Japan in development cooperation for health have not been revealed across various entities of the Japanese government or to the public. This study is the first to systematically assess the overall picture of Japan’s publicly funded cooperation mobilizing Official Development Assistance (ODA) and non-ODA public resources to improve people’s health in Vietnam. A cross-sectional analysis of Japanese publicly funded projects implemented for health cooperation in Vietnam during December 2016 was conducted. A framework based on the six building blocks of health system defined by the World Health Organization was adopted in order to assess the target projects. Results Overall, 68 projects implemented through Japanese public funding were included in the final analysis. These 68 projects under 15 types of schemes were managed by seven different scheme-operating organizations and funded by five ministries. Forty-four of these (64.7%) were ODA and 24 (35.3%) were non-ODA projects. Among the recategorized six building blocks of the health system, the focus area of the largest proportion of projects was health service delivery (44%), followed by health workforces (25%) and health information systems (15%). Almost half the projects were implemented together with the central hospitals as Vietnamese counterparts. Only 10% projects were conducted at the local level. This study was unable to capture the synergetic effects of potential collaboration or harmonization among Japanese funded projects. Conclusions Several Japanese-funded projects addressed a wide range of health issues across all six building blocks of the health system in Vietnam. However, there is room for improvement in developing coordination and harmonization among the Japanese projects that are diversifying. Furthermore, establishing a target-country-specific mechanism for strategic coordination across Japanese ministries’ schemes can yield efficient and effective development cooperation for health. Our analytic approach using the recategorized six building blocks contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of efforts on strengthening the health system.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sangnim Lee ◽  
Hisateru Tachimori ◽  
Maaya Kita Sugai ◽  
Aya Ishizuka ◽  
Manami Uechi ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundTo achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which is the core driver of health Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by 2030, Japan strives to strengthen its development cooperation by mobilizing various resources. However, the involvement and roles of various actors from Japan in development cooperation for health have not been revealed across various entities of the Japanese government or to the public. This study is the first to systematically assess the overall picture of Japan’s publicly funded cooperation mobilizing Official Development Assistance (ODA) and non-ODA public resources to improve people’s health in Vietnam. MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of Japanese publicly funded projects implemented for health cooperation in Vietnam during December 2016 was conducted. A framework based on the six building blocks of health system defined by the World Health Organization was adopted in order to assess the target projects. ResultsOverall, 68 projects implemented through Japanese public funding were included in the final analysis. These 68 projects under 15 types of schemes were managed by seven different scheme-operating organizations and funded by five ministries. Forty-four of these (64.7 %) were ODA and 24 (35.3 %) were non-ODA projects. Among the recategorized six building blocks of the health system, the focus area of the largest proportion of projects was health service delivery (44 %), followed by health workforces (25 %) and health information systems (15 %). Almost half the projects were implemented together with the central hospitals as Vietnamese counterparts. Only 10 % projects were conducted at the local level. This study was unable to capture the synergetic effects of potential collaboration or harmonization among Japanese funded projects.ConclusionsSeveral Japanese-funded projects addressed a wide range of health issues across all six building blocks of the health system in Vietnam. However, there is room for improvement in developing coordination and harmonization among the Japanese projects that are diversifying. Furthermore, establishing a target-country-specific mechanism for strategic coordination across Japanese ministries’ schemes can yield efficient and effective development cooperation for health. Our analytic approach using the recategorized six building blocks contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of efforts on strengthening the health system.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sangnim Lee ◽  
Aya Ishizuka ◽  
Hisateru Tachimori ◽  
Manami Uechi ◽  
Hidechika Akashi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Japan strives to strengthen its development cooperation by mobilizing various resources to assist partner countries advance on Universal Health Coverage by 2030. However, the involvement and roles of various actors for health are not clear. This study is the first to map Japan’s publicly funded projects by both Official Development Assistance (ODA) and other non-ODA public funds, and to describe the intervention areas. Further, the policy implications for country-specific cooperation strategies are discussed. The development cooperation for health in Vietnam is used as a case in this study. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of the Japanese publicly funded health projects that were being implemented in Vietnam during December 2016 was conducted. A framework of analysis based on the World Health Organization six health systems building blocks was adopted. The projects’ qualitative information was also assessed. Results Overall, 68 projects implemented through Japanese public funding were analyzed. These 68 projects under 15 types of schemes were managed by seven different scheme-operating organizations and funded by five ministries. Of these 44 (64.7%) were ODA and 24 (35.3%) were non-ODA projects. Among the recategorized six building blocks of the health system, the largest proportion of projects was health service delivery (44%), followed by health workforces (25%), and health information systems (15%). Almost half the projects were implemented together with the central hospitals as Vietnamese counterparts, which suggests that this is one area in which the specificities of Japanese cooperation are demonstrated. No synergetic effects of potential collaboration or harmonization among Japanese funded projects were captured. Conclusions Several Japanese-funded projects addressed a wide range of health issues across all six building blocks of the health system in Vietnam. However, there is room for improvement in developing coordination and harmonization among the diversified Japanese projects. Establishing a country-specific mechanism for strategic coordination across Japanese ministries’ schemes can yield efficient and effective development cooperation for health. While Vietnam’s dependence on external funding is low, the importance of coordination across domestic actors of the donor countries can serve as an important lesson, especially in beneficiary countries with high external funding dependency.


2017 ◽  
Vol 110 (9) ◽  
pp. 365-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riyadh Alshamsan ◽  
John Tayu Lee ◽  
Sangeeta Rana ◽  
Hasan Areabi ◽  
Christopher Millett

Objective To assess and compare health system performance across six middle-income countries that are strengthening their health systems in pursuit of universal health coverage. Design Cross-sectional analysis from the World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health, collected between 2007 and 2010. Setting Six middle-income countries: China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa. Participants Nationally representative sample of adults aged 50 years and older. Main outcome measures We present achievement against key indicators of health system performance across effectiveness, cost, access, patient-centredness and equity domains. Results We found areas of poor performance in prevention and management of chronic conditions, such as hypertension control and cancer screening coverage. We also found that cost remains a barrier to healthcare access in spite of insurance schemes. Finally, we found evidence of disparities across many indicators, particularly in the effectiveness and patient centredness domains. Conclusions These findings identify important focus areas for action and shared learning as these countries move towards achieving universal health coverage.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amare Worku Tadesse ◽  
Kassu Ketema Gurmu ◽  
Selamawit Tesfaye Kebede ◽  
Mahlet Kifle Habtemariam

Abstract Background Evidence exists about synergies among universal health coverage, health security and health promotion. Uniting these three global agendas has brought success to the country’s health sector. This study aimed to document the efforts Ethiopia has made to apply nationally synergistic approaches uniting these three global health agendas. Our study is part of the Lancet Commission on synergies between these global agendas. Methods We employed a case study design to describe the synergistic process in the Ethiopian health system based on a review of national strategies and policy documents, and key informant interviews with current and former policymakers, and academics. We analyzed the “hardware” (using the World Health Organization’s building blocks) and the “software” (ideas, interests, and power relations) of the Ethiopian health system according to the aforementioned three global agendas. Results Fragmentation of health system primarily manifested as inequities in access to health services, low health workforce and limited capacity to implementation guidelines. Donor driven vertical programs, multiple modalities of health financing, and inadequate multisectoral collaborations were also found to be key features of fragmentation. Several approaches were found to be instrumental in fostering synergies within the global health agenda. These included strong political and technical leadership within the government, transparent coordination, and engagement of stakeholders in the process of priority setting and annual resource mapping. Furthermore, harmonization and alignment of the national strategic plan with international commitments, joint financial arrangements with stakeholders and standing partnership platforms facilitated efforts for synergy. Conclusions Ethiopia has implemented multiple approaches to overcome fragmentation. Such synergistic efforts of the primary global health agendas have made significant contributions to the improvement of the country’s health indicators and may promote sustained functionality of the health system.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Bernabé-Ortiz ◽  
Jessica H. Zafra-Tanaka ◽  
Miguel Moscoso-Porras ◽  
Rangarajan Sampath ◽  
Beatrice Vetter ◽  
...  

AbstractA key component of any health system is the capacity to accurately diagnose individuals. One of the six building blocks of a health system as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) includes diagnostic tools. The WHO’s Noncommunicable Disease Global Action Plan includes addressing the lack of diagnostics for noncommunicable diseases, through multi-stakeholder collaborations to develop new technologies that are affordable, safe, effective and quality controlled, and improving laboratory and diagnostic capacity and human resources. Many challenges exist beyond price and availability for the current tools included in the Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions (PEN) for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. These include temperature stability, adaptability to various settings (e.g. at high altitude), need for training in order to perform and interpret the test, the need for maintenance and calibration, and for Blood Glucose Meters non-compatible meters and test strips. To date the issues surrounding access to diagnostic and monitoring tools for noncommunicable diseases have not been addressed in much detail. The aim of this Commentary is to present the current landscape and challenges with regards to guidance from the WHO on diagnostic tools using the WHO REASSURED criteria, which define a set of key characteristics for diagnostic tests and tools. These criteria have been used for communicable diseases, but so far have not been used for noncommunicable diseases. Diagnostic tools have played an important role in addressing many communicable diseases, such as HIV, TB and neglected tropical diseases. Clearly more attention with regards to diagnostics for noncommunicable diseases as a key component of the health system is needed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  

Abstract The European Observatory established the Health Systems and Policy Monitor (HSPM) network in 2008, bringing together an international group of high-profile institutions from Europe and beyond with high academic standing in health systems and policy analysis. An important step was taken in 2011, when the Bertelsmann Health Policy Monitor, a 20-country-project with already significant overlap with the current HSPM network, merged with the Observatory's network of national lead institutions. Today, the network includes 40 institutions from 31 countries, with members participating in a wide range of activities and collaborations, such as writing the Observatory's flagship health system reports (HiTs), keeping the health policy community up-to-date on health system developments via the HSPM web platform, and contributing their expertise to reports, studies and knowledge transfer exercises co-ordinated by the Observatory for a variety of audiences, including ministries of health and international organisations such as the World Health Organization and the European Commission. In addition, network members participate in an annual meeting, hosted in a different member country every year, coming together over two days to exchange knowledge and experiences about the various health system reforms happening in their countries. The aim of these meetings is to present, discuss and start comparative research collaborations of the members that can inform policymaking. As part of a collaboration with the journal Health Policy, researchers of the HSPM network have published more than 100 articles on cross-country comparisons of policies or on ongoing nation health reforms in a special section - the Health Reform Monitor - of the journal. This workshop aims to provide the audience with an overview of the network and its expanding range of activities. An introductory presentation will briefly introduce the origins of the network and discuss its current line of work. The second presentation will provide an overview of reform trends that are routinely collected during the annual meetings as part of the “reform roundup”. The third presentation will give an example of how the network has contributed to the European Commission's State of Health in the EU initiative, by performing a 'rapid response” that informed the companion report to the State of Health in the EU country health profiles 2019. The fourth presentation is a typical example of the kind of collaborative work that the network is undertaking, i.e. involving multiple countries on a topic of shared interest. The workshop will conclude with a debate with the audience about the conceptual and methodological challenges as well as opportunities and future directions of cross-country comparative research and the HSPM network in particular. Key messages The Health Systems and Policy Monitor Network provides detailed descriptions of health systems and provides up to date information on reforms and changes that are particularly policy relevant. The Health Systems and Policy Monitor Network increasingly engages in comparative health systems research and knowledge transfer activities.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1320-1324
Author(s):  
Narayan Sapkota ◽  
Damaru Prasad Paneru

Introduction: Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the major public health problem that leads to high morbidity and mortality in the world including Nepal. Government of Nepal has launched the Multi-sectoral NCD Action Plan in 2014 and established NCD and Injuries Poverty Commission in 2016 for the management and control of NCDs nevertheless the implementation status and its outcomes are not identified till date at the local level. Objectives: To explore the preparedness of the local government for the prevention and control of NCDs at Gaindakot, Nawalpur, Nepal. Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted in the Gaindakot municipality; Nawalpur to document the key informant's perspectives on health system's preparedness to prevent the potential impacts of NCDs. Face to face Indepth interview was performed using open-ended questions. Interview guidelines were prepared on the basis of building blocks of health system. Information was processed basis on thematic analysis. Result: The study revealed that health section has NCD preparedness structure but need to strengthening for the better delivery of health services. The study highlights that screening services and the medicine for major NCDs like hypertension and diabetes were available at local level. Limited budget was allocated and health workforce was not trained for NCDs prevention and control. There was no reporting mechanism for NCD related data from local level. Conclusion: Basic medicine and screening services were provided from the local level to the selected NCDs such as hypertension and diabetes. There was no provision of reporting NCD related information and health workforce were not trained to respond NCDs. Local level health system strengthening is an urgent need to address the increasing burden of NCDs.  


2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 805-817 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edna Cunha Vieira ◽  
Maria do Rosário Gondim Peixoto ◽  
Erika Aparecida da Silveira

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome in the elderly. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, with 133 individuals randomly selected in the Unified Health System in Goiania, Goiás. The following variables were researched: anthropometric (BMI, waist circumference, fat percentage by Dual X-ray absorptiometry), sociodemographic (gender, age, color, income, marital status and years of schooling), lifestyle (physical activity, smoking and risk alcohol consumption) and food intake (risk and protective foods). The metabolic syndrome was assessed according to harmonized criteria proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The combinations were tested by Poisson regression for confounding factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 58.65% (95%CI 49.8 - 67.1), with 60.5% (95%CI 49.01 - 71.18) for females and 55.7% (95%CI 41.33 - 69.53) for males. Hypertension was the most prevalent component of the syndrome in both men, with 80.8% (95%CI 64.5 - 90.4), and women, with 85.2% (95%CI 75.5 - 92.1). After the multivariate analysis, only the excess of weight measured by body mass index (prevalence ratio = 1.66; p < 0.01) remained associated with the metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in this sample was high, indicating the need for systematic actions by health workers in the control of risk factors through prevention strategies and comprehensive care to the elderly.


2007 ◽  
Vol 15 (spe) ◽  
pp. 792-798 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Maria Garcia de Lima Parada ◽  
Maria Antonieta de Barros Leite Carvalhaes

This study aimed to evaluate care during childbirth and neonatal development in the interior of São Paulo in order to support managers responsible for formulating public policies on human development and allocating public resources to the women's healthcare. This epidemiological study focused on the evaluation of health services based on the observation of the assistance delivered by the Single Health System in 12 maternities and 134 delivers. The Brazilian Health Ministry or World Health Organization standards were adopted for comparison. The results revealed problems related to the structure of some maternities, where some well-proven practices in normal childbirth are still little used, whereas other prejudicial or ineffective ones are routinely used. Reversing this picture is essential in order to offer humanized quality care to women with consequent reductions in maternal and neonatal mortality rates, in such a way that the region achieves the millennium goals established for improving human development.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jude Thaddeus Ssensamba ◽  
Moses Mukuru ◽  
Mary Nakafeero ◽  
Ronald Ssenyonga ◽  
Suzanne N. Kiwanuka

Abstract Background As ageing emerges as the next public health threat in Africa, there is a paucity of information on how prepared its health systems are to provide geriatric friendly care services. In this study, we explored the readiness of Uganda’s public health system to offer geriatric friendly care services in Southern Central Uganda. Methods Four districts with the highest proportion of old persons in Southern Central Uganda were purposively selected, and a cross-section of 18 randomly selected health facilities (HFs) were visited and assessed for availability of critical items deemed important for provision of geriatric friendly services; as derived from World Health Organization’s Age-friendly primary health care centres toolkit. Data was collected using an adapted health facility geriatric assessment tool, entered into Epi-data software and analysed using STATA version 14. Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn’s post hoc tests were conducted to determine any associations between readiness, health facility level, and district. Results The overall readiness index was 16.92 (SD ±4.19) (range 10.8–26.6). This differed across districts; Lwengo 17.91 (SD ±3.15), Rakai 17.63 (SD ±4.55), Bukomansimbi 16.51 (SD ±7.18), Kalungu 13.74 (SD ±2.56) and facility levels; Hospitals 26.62, Health centers four (HCIV) 20.05 and Health centers three (HCIII) 14.80. Low readiness was due to poor scores concerning; leadership (0%), financing (0%), human resources (1.7%) and health management information systems (HMIS) (11.8%) WHO building blocks. Higher-level HFs were statistically significantly friendlier than lower-level HFs (p = 0.015). The difference in readiness between HCIIIs and HCIVs was 2.39 (p = 0.025). Conclusion There is a low readiness for public health facilities to provide geriatric friendly care services in Uganda. This is due to gaps in all of the health system building blocks. There is a need for health system reforms in Uganda to adequately cater for service provision for older adults if the 2020 global healthy ageing goal is to be met.


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