Health Systems Strengthening
The last 20 years have seen significant results in terms of lives saved and health improved in developing countries.
Global health initiatives and funds have made a strong contribution, particularly in the areas of vaccination and infectious diseases. However, there is extensive documentation of major weaknesses in health systems and that aid has contributed little to capacity building. In addition, the focus on quick and short-term results has not supported local ownership but rather weakened the institutional and financial sustainability of health systems.
Norad's overall goal is to shift efforts towards strengthened health systems in low- and middle-income countries. This will be done through efforts towards two interconnected sub-goals:
- Increased country ownership and institutional capacity to prioritize, plan, finance and deliver services across Universal Health Coverage (UHC)/Primary Health Care (PHC), public health functions and health security
- Global health initiatives align efforts and finance in support of country-led strategies and health plans
Norad will contribute by supporting targeted measures for strengthening health systems, such as capacity development in health information systems, prioritization, financing systems, human resources and integrated delivery and equitable financing of essential health services at primary level. At the same time, we will actively contribute through boards, direct dialogue and professional efforts to a clearer distribution and more effectively directed efforts for system strengthening through the global health funds and others.
Please see attached documents for more comprehensive information about the portfolio.