ABSTRACT
This paper first sets the context for the Equity and Access Sub-Group (EetASG) by describing the move towards Sector Wide Approaches (SWAps). SWAps are a new concept through which the Ministry of Health is delivering services through mechanisms of basket funding and decentralization of services once delivered by vertical programmes to districts. SWAps present new opportunities of enhancing equity and access to services for all groups in Malawi. Opportunities for achieving this lies within a constitution of new partnerships for the advocacy and monitoring of the performance of the health sector in meeting the needs of different social and economic groups. These new partnerships include the Health Sector Review Group; Monitoring and Evaluation Research Technical Working Group and the Equity and Access Sub-Group (EetASG). This paper describes the EetASG; a good example of these new partnerships. The memberships and terms of reference of this group are described
Subject(s)
Health Care Sector , National Health Programs , PoliticsABSTRACT
Drawing on the experiences of REACH Trust; this paper highlights practical lessons of using research processes and outcomes to promote equity in health policy and practice. The REACH Trust is first introduced. Case studies are then used to highlight how REACH Trust has worked in a participatory manner with key stakeholders at community; national and international levels. In addition to participatory working there are a number of cross-cutting themes that facilitate the uptake of research findings which is discussed in turn: (1) multi-disciplinary and multi-method approaches (2) advocating research findings at strategic forums; and (3) the use of strategic frames. In the conclusion it is argued that research has a critical role to play in responding to the urgent need for the Malawian health sector to develop and act on evidence-based practice in a more gender equitable and pro-poor manner