Governance as an Enabler for Health Systems Strengthening and Country Ownership


MSH staff working in Ethiopia. Photo: Todd Shapera

Good governance is essential for stronger health systems. There is an emerging body of evidence demonstrating that effective governance improves health outcomes. Conversely, poor governance overall, and especially in the health sector has contributed to poor health outcomes and wasted resources.

To ensure that good governance is an integral part of health system strengthening interventions, the LMG Project organized the first Governance for Health Roundtable in May 2012 with 30 thought leaders in health governance. They discussed the key principles and practices of governance that improve health systems performance and health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

In August 2013, USAID supported the second Roundtable on Governance for Health in LMICs. The purpose of this event was to continue the discussion and bring thought leaders together to discuss how good governance enables and facilitates better health system performance and outcomes. This year’s discussion included more than 30 experts, thought leaders and practitioners from around world.

The following links and videos provide a summary of key conclusions from the round table and on new insights into principles and practices of smart governance for governing the health systems of LMICs.

Read a Summary Report on LMG’s Governance for Health in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Round Table

In addition, on December 11, 2013, more than 60 people took part in a brown bag event organized by the Leadership, Management and Governance (LMG) Project and held at USAID to disseminate the findings, along with the summary report.

View the Good Governance for Health Roundtable Presentation

View the Brown Bag Agenda on the Second Roundtable Held at USAID

See our Storify of the Brown Bag Event

The Leadership, Management, and Governance (LMG) Project is building innovative strategies for smarter leadership, management, and governance to enhance health system performance and promote better health outcomes for all, including vulnerable populations worldwide. The LMG Project consortium of partners is led by Management Sciences for Health (MSH) and includes: African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF); International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF); Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH); Medic Mobile; and the Yale Global Health Leadership Institute (GHLI).

See also  Overcoming Obstacles to Improved Efficiency

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