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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Kate Tulenko, MD, MPH, MPhil, Water and Sanitation Program, World Bank, 1818 H St, NW, MS H3-307, Washington, DC, DC 20433, 202 473-1066, ktulenko@worldbank.org

Almost every human activity affects human health. Yet rarely are health experts or Ministries of Health consulted on non-health development projects. In addition, many crucial development subjects such as water, sanitation, and hygiene fall into the “cracks” between different ministries and although vitally important, are not on the top 5 list of any ministry.

This paper examines cross-sectoral health work by looking at previous attempts at cross-sectoral work in international development, both successful and unsuccessful and identifies the characteristics of successful cross-sectoral health work. Special attention is paid to the water sector, especially sanitation and hygiene in Africa. With over 4 million children dying per year of illnesses that can be prevented via sanitation and hygiene, it is an issue that cannot be ignored. Work consisted of a desk review of cross-sectoral health projects and documentation of an ongoing cross-sectoral water/health project in Ethiopia. Characteristics of successful cross-sectoral work include strong political support, the presence of supportive donors and NGOs, sector mapping, and joint planning and budgeting, coordination from the policy level down to implementation, and sequencing of work. A model of cross-sectoral work is presented that can be applied to other health projects. In addition to the overall model, practical aides to guide the process are presented as well as a discussion of the best techniques for working with non-health development professionals.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the model of promoting cross-sectoral health work.
• Identify barriers to cross-sectoral work and how to remove them.
• Describe 3 ways to incentivize cross sectoral health work.
• Develop a plan for cross-sectoral water and health work in their own programs.

Keywords: International Health, Water

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation