The private sector’s involvement in health systems is growing in scale and scope, particularly in low and middle income countries (LMICs) and it includes the provision of health-related services, medicines and medical products, financial products, training for the health workforce, information technology, infrastructure and support services. It is key for governments to build strong capacities to engage with non-state actors, harnessing all health resources to maximize efforts in achieving health goals, preventing at the same time adverse behaviours from the private sector in health.
This webinar shared lessons learnt on how to engage the private sector in health at the country level for it to help maximize country’s efforts in achieving Universal health Coverage (UHC). This session included a discussion on the importance of effectively engaging the private sector in improving the quality of MNCH services. Lessons learned and experiences from Uganda were shared, specifically from the MaNe project, which aimed to improve the quality of MNCH services in Kampala and to test effective government stewardship practices of mixed (public and private) health system.
Session plan:
Introduction and overview of the WHO work on engaging the private sector in health:
- Mr David Clarke, Health Systems Governance and Financing, WHO Geneva
- Dr Blerta Maliqi, Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, and Ageing, WHO Geneva
Opening remarks and introduction of USAID private sector work in Uganda: Marietou Satin, USAID Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition Office
Panel discussion: Moderated by Cudjoe Bennett, Senior Research and Knowledge Advisor, USAID Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition Office
- Dr Daniel Okello, Senior Medical Officer, Kampala Capital City Authority, Public Health and Environment
- Yvonne Mugerwa, Project Director, Kampala Slum Maternal and Newborn Health project
- Christine Mugasha, Senior Maternal and Child Health Advisor, USAID Uganda mission
Questions & Answers: Facilitated by Susan Ross, Senior Private Sector Engagement Advisor, USAID Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition Office
Closing remarks: David Clarke, WHO Geneva
This webinar was organized by WHO Country Connector on Private Sector In Health and the Network for Improving Quality of Care for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.
Photo credit: © WHO / Blink Media - Hilina Abebe