It is widely recognised that to attain better health outcomes, we have to strengthen the entire health system on which delivery of health interventions depend.  In a health systems development approach, the organisation and management of service provision is just one function alongside a range of interrelated factors including governance, financing, and developing infrastructure and human resources.  Health systems development is a precondition for improved health outcomes, and with a strong focus on equity, this should mean health gains amongst the poorest.

Our guiding principles are to work with government, civil society and other local partners to develop local leadership capacity to plan and manage health systems. We aim to promote a culture of critical enquiry, where local and international lessons on what works and what does not are debated and reflected in programming.

Our approach to our work combines a process-oriented approach that is designed to build strong interpersonal relationships between ourselves and counterparts; and a performance-based approach that uses effective programme management techniques and performance management indicators to support a results-based approach to health sector development.

Our health systems expertise includes:

• health policy and planning
• health financing
• human resource development and quality of care
• equity and pro poor approaches.

Examples of our work includes: