The governments of Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya and Ghana have been working for years to strengthen quality of health services, and improve efficiency and equity, through a variety of interventions in the health sector.
Some advocates of increased contraceptive coverage believe that maintenance of vertical contraceptive logistics systems is a proven means to ensure contraceptive availability and service to family planning clients, and that certain health sector reform elements threaten contraceptive availability. Among these is the integration of contraceptives and drugs into a single system.
A study team including John Snow, Inc. and local MOH counterparts conducted field research in four countries using a convenience sample of regions, districts, and service delivery points. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected on 40 pre-specified indicators. For the purpose of the analysis, the authors chose to divide health sector innovations into two periods: "Incremental Change," and "Intensive Health Sector Reform."
Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the analysis tested two hypotheses: (1) vertically managed contraceptive logistics systems are effective means for ensuring product availability and service to family planning clients, and (2) health sector reform programs can disrupt contraceptive logistics operations.
Learning Objectives: By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to describe at least five key issues in planning for integrated health product management.
Keywords: International Public Health, Sustainability
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.