FRONTIERS Projects | Health Sector Reforms and Implications for Reproductive Health Priority Setting

FRONTIERS PROJECT
Health Sector Reforms and Implications for Reproductive Health Priority Setting

This study, conducted with the United Nations Population Fund, examined the effect of Ghana’s health sector reorganization on reproductive health goals, focusing on the impact of national priorities on district-level decisionmaking. The project showed that district facilities need a wide range of reproductive health services together with training to ensure local capacity to meet those needs. District-level providers focus on aspects of reproductive health that are consistent with their mission and comparative advantage. The study recommended that districts focus on capacity building to adhere to priorities set at the national level, rather than selecting new priorities. Additionally, researchers suggested developing procedures to ensure reliable availability of drugs and medical supplies at health centers, mobilizing nongovernmental and other service delivery organizations, and convening district-level assemblies to support reproductive health activities.

Location

Ghana

Duration

September 2004–July 2005

Population Council researcher

Harriet Birungi

Non-Council collaborator

United Nations Population Fund

Donor

US Agency for International Development

Publications/Resources
Council researchers' names appear in boldface type.

2006
Birungi, Harriet, Philomena Nyarko, Ian Askew, Ayo Ajayi, Gifty Addico, Edward Addai, and Caroline Jehu-Appiah. "Priority setting for reproductive health at the district level in the context of health sector reforms in Ghana" FRONTIERS Final Report. Washington, DC: Population Council. (PDF, 441 KB)