Strengthening Regional Institutions

Institutionalization of Systems Strengthening Methodologies across Africa

Health Systems 20/20 is working with six regional institutions in Africa, empowering each of them to independently carry out one of the key health systems strengthening methodologies: Health Systems Assessments (HSA), HIV/AIDS Program Sustainability Analysis Tool (HAPSAT), and National Health Accounts (NHA). The project is working with three Anglophone organizations and three Francophone organizations, ensuring that each methodology can be implemented in two languages. By choosing regional institutions with a significant presence in Africa and the ability to mobilize staff for short-term assignments, Health Systems 20/20 hopes to sustainably enhance the ability of regional organizations to carry out health systems strengthening work.

Health Systems Strengthening Workshop for Leadership

In 2011, Health Systems 20/20 collaborated with USAID, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Columbia University to carry out a five-day health systems strengthening workshop in Cape Town, South Africa. USAID Mission officials and their country counterparts from Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Uganda, Vietnam, and the Caribbean region came together to learn how to develop and implement health systems strengthening activities. Participants will continue to build their capacity by accessing online training materials and participating in online discussions.

African Field Epidemiology Network

AFENET is a regional network of public health schools that builds capacity in field epidemiology and strengthens public health surveillance systems. Health Systems 20/20 has assisted AFENET since 2007, six months after it was founded. The project provided 18 months of assistance, beginning with a rapid assessment of AFENET’s capacity-building needs. Interventions, primarily identified by AFENET, have covered all major organizational competencies and include developing and implementing a strategic plan, resource mobilization plan, and human resources plan; revising the governance structure; strengthening of the accounting system to meet U.S. government standards; and building the capacity of the Secretariat team.

Health Systems Action Network

In 2006, 31 health systems experts from around the world gathered in Toronto to discuss the need for a global health systems network and the feasibility of its establishment. The discussion resulted in the establishment of Health Systems Action Network (HSAN), a global network of professionals in developing countries committed to strengthening health systems through effective involvement of stakeholders and improved management of resources. Health Systems 20/20 helped to legally establish the HSAN as an NGO, develop a strategic plan, and create an online communication platform.