OBJECTIVE: To explores the interface between vertical programmes (VPs) and general health services (GHS) in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: Using semi-structured interviews, we analysed the perceptions of a selection of experienced mid-level managers of health systems and of VP originating in francophone Africa on the nature and quality of this interface. RESULTS: The respondents acknowledged that VPs lead to both positive and negative effects on the functioning of GHS. The overall result, however, cannot be viewed as a simple summation of the positive effects possibly compensating for the negative ones. Indeed, some of the negative effects have a profound impact on the management and operation of the health care delivery system and may undermine the long-term institutional capacity of the general health systems. The quality and the nature of the interface between VP and GHS strongly vary in time, between settings and programmes. CONCLUSION: We argue for more systematic monitoring of the interface between VP and GHS, so as to identify and address, in a timely manner, significant disruptive effects and deficiencies in a perspective of systemic capacity building of health systems.
OBJECTIVE: To explores the interface between vertical programmes (VPs) and general health services (GHS) in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: Using semi-structured interviews, we analysed the perceptions of a selection of experienced mid-level managers of health systems and of VP originating in francophone Africa on the nature and quality of this interface. RESULTS: The respondents acknowledged that VPs lead to both positive and negative effects on the functioning of GHS. The overall result, however, cannot be viewed as a simple summation of the positive effects possibly compensating for the negative ones. Indeed, some of the negative effects have a profound impact on the management and operation of the health care delivery system and may undermine the long-term institutional capacity of the general health systems. The quality and the nature of the interface between VP and GHS strongly vary in time, between settings and programmes. CONCLUSION: We argue for more systematic monitoring of the interface between VP and GHS, so as to identify and address, in a timely manner, significant disruptive effects and deficiencies in a perspective of systemic capacity building of health systems.
Authors: Freya Rasschaert; Marjan Pirard; Mit P Philips; Rifat Atun; Edwin Wouters; Yibeltal Assefa; Bart Criel; Erik J Schouten; Wim Van Damme Journal: J Int AIDS Soc Date: 2011-07-06 Impact factor: 5.396
Authors: M Taghi Yasamy; Pallab K Maulik; Mark Tomlinson; Crick Lund; Mark Van Ommeren; Shekhar Saxena Journal: PLoS Med Date: 2011-11-22 Impact factor: 11.069
Authors: Rènée du Toit; Hannah B Faal; Daniel Etya'ale; Boateng Wiafe; Ingrid Mason; Ronnie Graham; Simon Bush; Wanjiku Mathenge; Paul Courtright Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2013-03-18 Impact factor: 2.655