Supporting the implementation of pro-poor and equitable health services

We, at Health Partners International (HPI) work with governments in low-income countries to tackle issues of equity and poverty within a health systems framework by supporting the implementation of pro-poor and equitable health services.

A 'pro-poor health service' usually involves a minimum package of basic health interventions that focus on diseases particularly prevalent among the poor. This increases the share of the health budget that is spent on pro-poor services.

HPI supports governments to translate their pro-poor policy commitments into action through:

  • providing high-level policy advisory support on health equity issues
  • costing essential health care packages
  • supporting the incorporation of equity considerations into health financing policy
  • designing health 'safety net' and demand-side financing schemes
  • designing targeted strategies for reaching under-served groups.

We are also active in developing participatory methodologies for working with communities to define, in their own terms, the main characteristics of poverty and to identify the most appropriate target groups for financial protection measures.

 

Some of our projects

 

Background information

Some argue that prioritising the health of the poorest comes at the expense of the rest of the population. Others argue that ignoring equity considerations will undermine longer-term health goals and is contrary to principles of social justice and human rights.

 

It is possible to reconcile these views by pursuing strategies that aim to improve the health of the poor, whilst also targeting resources to specific under-served groups, where resources allow.

Some ways to ensure that health equity issues stay on the agenda include:

  • identifying health equity 'champions' to lead advocacy efforts
  • building an 'institutional home' for these issues within government
  • ensuring integration of health equity issues throughout the health system
  • supporting civil society coalitions so that they can campaign effectively on this issue.