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2/13/2021 WHO | Governance

Health systems
Governance

Governance in the health sector


Health system
refers to a wide range of steering
and rule-making related functions A well-functioning health system
carried out by working in harmony is built on havi
governments/decisions makers trained and motivated health
as they seek to achieve national workers, a well-maintained infrastr
health policy objectives that are and a reliable supply of medicines
conducive to universal health coverage. Governance is a political and technologies, backed by adeq
process that involves balancing competing influences and funding, strong health plans and
demands. It includes: evidence-based policies.

maintaining the strategic direction of policy development and


implementation;
detecting and correcting undesirable trends and distortions; Key expected results
articulating the case for health in national development;
regulating the behavior of a wide range of actors - from health Making a difference
care financiers to health care providers; and
establishing transparent and effective accountability
mechanisms. Leadership update

Beyond the formal health system, governance means WHO priorities


collaborating with other sectors, including the private sector and
civil society, to promote and maintain population health in a
participatory and inclusive manner. In countries that receive
significant amounts of external development assistance, Health systems web sites
governance should also be concerned with managing these
resources in ways that promote national leadership, contribute to Essential Medicines and Health
the achievement of agreed policy goals, and strengthen national Products
health systems. While the scope for exercising governance Health financing for universal
functions is greatest at the national level, it also covers the coverage
steering role of regional and local authorities. Health statistics and information
systems
WHO is supporting countries in building the capacity needed to
carry out governance functions effectively. This includes a better Health workforce
understanding of what constitutes best practice. Health systems recovery
Resources Health systems governance
National health policies, strategies and plans Service delivery and safety
Management for health service delivery
International Health Partnership IHP+

Partners

https://www.who.int/healthsystems/topics/stewardship/en/ 1/2
2/13/2021 WHO | Governance

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Publications P4H Social Health Protection
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https://www.who.int/healthsystems/topics/stewardship/en/ 2/2

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