Application of the Allocate Computer Model in Decentralized Settings in Ukraine

Although many countries have developed reproductive health action plans, there are many challenges to this work. Some of the biggest challenges are how to answer the following questions:

• How much funding is required to achieve the goals of the RHAP? • What goals are feasible? • How should we allocate the available resource to best achieve these goals?

The development of the Allocate computer model offers a mechanism whereby planners can use multiple reproductive health models at the same time to examine and manipulate various assumptions and explore alternative uses of resources while developing a comprehensive RHAP. To date, the model has been used only at the national level.

Decentralization of health services has been a priority in many developing countries over the past few years. To contribute to decentralization efforts, Health Policy Initiative applied the Allocate model at two Oblasts in Ukraine. The results of the model were used in interactive workshops with planners and stake holders to explore the effects of different program configurations on health outcomes. Through this interaction participants gained a better understanding of the dynamics of funding and impact. Technical assistance was provided by HPI staff to support civil society advocates and policymakers to use the model results for allocation of resources, advocacy to higher levels for increased funding, and identification of priorities. The findings from the application of the model influenced the resource allocations decisions within the two oblasts for the Reproductive Health Program plans for 2007.