In authors or contributors

Towards universal health coverage: reforming the neglected district health system in Africa

Resource type
Journal Article
Authors/contributors
Title
Towards universal health coverage: reforming the neglected district health system in Africa
Abstract
In most African countries, the district sphere of governance is a colonial creation for harnessing resources from the communities that are located far away from the centre with the assistance of minimally skilled personnel who are subordinate to the central authority with respect to decision-making and initiative. Unfortunately, postcolonial reforms of district governance have retained the hierarchical structure of the local government. Anchored to such a district arrangement, the (district) health system (DHS) is too weak and impoverished to function in spite of enormous knowledge and natural resources for a seamless implementation of universal health coverage (UHC). Sadly, the quick-fix projects of the 1990s with the laudable intention to reduce the burden of disease within a specified time-point dealt the fatal blow on the DHS administration by diminishing it to a stop-post and a warehouse for commodities (such as bednets and vaccines) destined for the communities. We reviewed the situation of the district in sub-Saharan African countries and identified five attributes that are critical for developing a UHC-friendly DHS. In this analytical paper, we discuss decision-making authority, coordination, resource control, development initiative and management skills as critical factors. We highlight the required strategic shifts and recommend a dialogue for charting an African regional course for a reformed DHS for UHC. Further examination of these factors and perhaps other ancillary criteria will be useful for developing a checklist for assessing the suitability of a DHS for the UHC that Africa deserves.
Publication
BMJ Global Health
Volume
4
Issue
Suppl 9
Pages
e001498
Date
10/2019
Journal Abbr
BMJ Glob Health
Language
en
ISSN
2059-7908
Short Title
Towards universal health coverage
Accessed
28/03/2024, 11:43
Library Catalogue
DOI.org (Crossref)
Citation
Tumusiime, P., Kwamie, A., Akogun, O. B., Elongo, T., & Nabyonga-Orem, J. (2019). Towards universal health coverage: reforming the neglected district health system in Africa. BMJ Global Health, 4(Suppl 9), e001498. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001498