Sustainability and Systems Strengthening
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Source: USAID |
USAID has a fundamental and moral commitment to fostering the sustainability of developing countries across the globe. Chief to the sustainability and positive development of a country are, quite simply, its people and their ability to achieve and maintain good health. Being “in good health” means a person is more likely to earn income through employment, attend school, teach important skills to others, participate in social life, and positively contribute to the world around them. However, good health is contingent upon being able to find and access help when illness takes hold. Conversely, good health is also inextricably linked to a provider having the technical and programmatic capability to help those in need of health services. This is the crux of understanding the dynamics of health systems in the developing world, where resources can be scarce and health systems are typically overburdened. Undoubtedly, effective and functioning health systems are essential to improving health status in developing countries. More importantly, it is the ideal outcome of an effective health system – a healthy population – that lays the foundation for widespread economic progress and long-term sustainability.
Making Progress
Over the past few years, the international community and global health practitioners have opened critical dialogue about the widespread attention and monetary support given to global HIV/AIDS initiatives, particularly in light of other devastating illnesses that, in sheer numbers, claim more lives than HIV/AIDS alone. While high-level discussion continues on the best ways to marshal global health resources, there is broad international agreement that sustainability of programs requires further integration of HIV/AIDS interventions within the broader health system. The United States is on the forefront of this effort, confirmed by the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Leadership Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008. The law, which reauthorizes the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), expands the U.S. global commitment to HIV/AIDS and places special emphasis on balanced HIV prevention efforts, workforce capacity, deeper integration of HIV/AIDS programs into health systems, and includes more targeted interventions for women and girls.
This approach is further bolstered by President Obama’s May 5, 2009, announcement that his Administration is committed to spending $63 billion over six years to bring better health to people around the globe. This funding, the majority of which is pledged to PEPFAR, reflects an integrated approach to fight diseases, improve basic health, and strengthen health infrastructure. In addition to robust funding for global HIV/AIDS, there will be increased focus on child and maternal health, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases. This comprehensive approach to health will have long-term benefits to the lives of individuals and families, and will contribute to the overall development of the countries in which PEPFAR works, all through a sustainability framework.
Additional Resources
Learn more about how USAID is supporting sustainability and systems strengthening at all levels of leadership – starting with local community members to Ministries of Health.
USAID Issue Briefs
Learn more about USAID leadership in Health Systems Strengthening.
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