The Hieroglyphs of Health

Understanding the WHO Progression Pathway for Private Sector Engagement in Health: Focusing on Deliver Strategy

Incorporating the private sector into national health systems is crucial for achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and enhancing health outcomes. Recognizing this, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed a progression pathway for private sector engagement in health. This framework outlines six governance behaviors, each essential for effective integration of the private sector. Among these behaviors, Deliver Strategy stands as the foundation for all subsequent actions. This blog provides insights into Deliver Strategy, highlighting its importance and the criteria used to assess progress.

What is Deliver Strategy?

Deliver Strategy is the first governance behavior in the WHO’s progression pathway. It involves the government clearly articulating strategic goals for the health system and defining the roles of the private sector in achieving these goals. This behavior ensures that the private sector is an integral part of the national health strategy, contributing to broader objectives such as Universal Health Coverage and Health Security.

Key Elements of Deliver Strategy

For Deliver Strategy to be effective, the government must develop comprehensive national health policies, strategies, and plans (NHPSPs) that take a system-wide perspective, inclusive of the private health sector. Key elements include:

§ Up-to-Date Policy Statements: The existence of current documents, such as legal documents or policy statements, that define clear objectives for the private sector in line with health system goals.

§ Strategic Roles: Clear articulation of the roles of the private sector (for-profit and not-for-profit) in achieving strategic health system objectives.

§ Policy Mechanisms: Specific mechanisms outlined to influence the operation and performance of the private sector.

§ Implementation and Resource Allocation: Explicit understanding and support for realizing strategic goals through policy mechanisms, including financial resource allocation.

§ Tracking and Monitoring: Arrangements for tracking the effects of policy mechanisms, evaluating changes, and measuring their impact on health system outcomes.

Progression of Grades

The Deliver Strategy behavior is assessed across four stages:

1. Nascent: At this stage, there are no up-to-date policy statements articulating the government's strategic health objectives and the role of the private health sector. The focus is primarily on the public sector, with the private sector's role framed outside of UHC.

2. Developing: Up-to-date policy statements exist, outlining the government’s strategic health system objectives and the role of the private health sector. The private health sector is beginning to feature in the government’s strategic vision, with specific roles defined and a notional understanding of implementation.

3. Progressing: Policy statements articulate the government’s strategic health objectives and the role of the private health sector, with specific roles defined and accompanied by a clear implementation plan. The government’s strategic focus includes both public and private health sectors, with a clear plan for influencing the private sector’s operation and performance.

4. Developed: Clear strategic objectives for the private health sector are articulated, with explicit policies in place. Robust mechanisms for tracking changes in performance and the broader effects of policy changes are established. The government has a clear plan for influencing the private sector and has the capacity to monitor and measure the impact on health system outcomes.

Deliver Strategy is essential for effectively integrating the private sector into national health strategies. By establishing clear strategic goals, defining the roles of the private sector, and implementing robust mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation, governments can harness the potential of the private sector to achieve their health objectives.

As countries like Egypt work towards progressing through the stages of Deliver Strategy, the WHO’s progression pathway provides a valuable roadmap for ensuring that private sector engagement contributes meaningfully to national health goals.