ACHEST Takes Part in the 2nd Annual Governance for Health Roundtable Discussion
The Management Science for Health (MSH) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) held the second annual Governance for Health Roundtable, 14th – 16th themed“Advancing Knowledge for More Effective Governance in Low and Middle Income Countries” at George Town University in Washington, D.C attracting top health experts across the world and development partners.
ACHEST was invited and participated in this meeting represented by the Director of Health Systems, Dr. Peter Eriki. He was a lead discussant on the presentation:“Governing Decentralized Ministries of Health” where he highlighted that most developing countries are undergoing some form of decentralization of administrative, political, and /or fiscal authority, whichwill help health leaders achieve better health service performance for people.
The meeting brought together leaders in health to discuss how to enhance good governance as a facilitator for better health system performance and outcomes.
The themes discussed included:Governing Decentralized Ministries of Health, Balancing the Roles and Responsibilities of those in Governing and Management Positions,Engaging more Women in Governing and Decision Making Roles, and Measuring the Effectiveness of Governance Practices and Decision Making Roles. Other themes included Identifying and Reducing Corruption, and Using New Technologies for Enhancing Governance Decision Making
The two day meeting engaged every participant in small groups to play critical role during the in depth analysis of the themes and report back to the plenary their findings which were then discussed and a common position agreed upon. The discussions were participatory and drew expert contributions from the rich and diverse backgrounds. Several new and old friendships were made which intellectually stimulated and motivated the shaping of the agenda for future capacity building of individuals and institutions that support those who govern health sectors of low and middle-income countries.
The organizers hope to repeat this roundtable exchange of ideas and insights in August 2014 somewhere in Sub Saharan Africa.