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
Subject(s)
Health Care Sector , Health Policy , Research/economicsABSTRACT
In South Africa most black women use antenatal care services and deliver in clinics; and a considerable number complement this use of formal health services with traditional medicine. This study reported here examined the knowledge; beliefs and practical experiences of pregnant women; traditional healers and midwives with regard to kgaba (traditional medicine) and explored what constitutes kgaba. Interviews (N=30) and focus group discussions (N=21) were carried out among participants in Mogwase district in the North West Province of South Africa; where the use of kgaba remedies is commonly believed to cause foetal distress and an increase in caesarean sections. Findings indicated that kgaba remedies are ingested not only to prevent or solve physical problems but are also perceived as valuable in protecting against the harm that evil spirits can cause during pregnancy. Experiences with kgaba differed among participants and this may relate to the variety of plants used; their preparation and dosage. The use of crushed ostrich eggshell; which is perceived as inducing labour; emerged as an important finding. The use of kgaba as perceived by the Tswana is an important component in the experience of pregnancy and labour. However; communication about the use of kgaba between pregnant women and health staff was poor and hinders reporting or recording of dosage and evaluation of effects. There is a need to develop strategies that promote open dialogue between health providers and communities on the use of traditional medicine