 |
| Research article summary (published 29 Apr 2003): |
Integrating reproductive health services in a reforming health sector: the case of Tanzania.
Full Abstract
Universal access to comprehensive reproductive health services, integrated into a well-functioning health system, remains an unfulfilled objective in many countries. In 2000-2001, in Tanzania, in-depth interviews were conducted with central level stakeholders and focus group discussions held with health management staff in three regional and nine district health offices, to assess progress in the integration of reproductive health services. Respondents at all levels reported stalled integration and lack of synchronisation in the planning and management of key services. This was attributed to fear of loss of power and resources among national level managers, uncertainty as to continuation of donor support and lack of linkages with the Health Sector Reform Secretariat. Among reproductive health programmes, sexually transmitted infection (STI) control alone retained its vertical planning, management and implementation structures. District-level respondents expressed frustration in their efforts to coordinate STI service delivery with other, more integrated programmes. They reported contradictory directives and poor communication channels with higher levels of the Ministry of Health; lack of technical skills at district level to undertake supervision of integrated services; low morale due to low salaries; and lack of district autonomy in decision-making. Integration requires a coherent policy environment. The uncoordinated and conflicting agendas of donors, on whom Tanzania is too heavily reliant, is a major obstacle.
Learn Faster Today Improve your study skills
Author information
Author/s: Oliff, Monique (M); Mayaud, Philippe (P); Brugha, Ruairķ (R); Semakafu, Ave Maria (AM);
Affiliation: Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK.
Journal and publication information
Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Journal: Reproductive health matters (Reprod Health Matters), published in Netherlands. (Language: eng)
Reference: 2003-May; vol 11 (issue 21) : pp 37-48
Dates: Created 2003/06/12; Completed 2003/06/27; Revised 2006/11/15;
PMID: 12800702, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)
Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.
External Links for this article (including full text providers, if available):
Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.
This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.
MeSH headings (categories)
This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.
|
|
Related articles
This article has not been indexed for related articles as yet, however you can still use the live related article search links below.
See a large map of 100+ related articles.