Using the ExpandNet framework and tools for scaling up

To successfully scale up health innovations, clear definitions, conceptualizations, and practical guidance are needed. ExpandNet, an international network of health professionals who seek to further the practice and science of scaling up, is addressing these tasks. ExpandNet has developed a framework to guide strategic thinking in scaling up public health innovations. Emphasizing an evidence-based approach, ExpandNet defines scaling up as “deliberate efforts to increase the impact of health service innovations successfully tested in pilot or experimental projects so as to benefit more people and to foster policy and program development on a lasting basis.” Scaling up is viewed as an organizational, managerial and institution-building task and not as a narrowly technical one.

The ExpandNet framework will be laid out including the determinants and key attributes of scaling up success. This will be followed by central lessons learned from the scaling up of reproductive and primary health initiatives in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Tools created by ExpandNet/WHO to support practitioners seeking to scale up health innovations will be mentioned and the audience will be directed to the ExpandNet website which contains these tools and further resources.