One of the key problems in todays health system is to get the drugs, vaccines, and other forms of prevention care or treatment to those who need them on time, reliably, in sufficient quantity, and at reasonable cost. This could greatly enhance the prevention and cure of much of world's diseases. This inadequacy in the health system is acting as a barrier for achieving internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals ( MDGs ) and goals set in the WHO / UNICEF Global Immunization Vision and Strategy ( GIVS ). To respond to this challenge, the GAVI Alliance Board is investing US $ 500 million for health system strengthening ( HSS ) between 2006 and 2010. Based on the results, the investment might be extended to 2015.
Health system strengthening would involve improving the following critical components:
1. Stewardship / governance / leadership :defining sector strategies, clarifying roles, managing competing demands.
2. Health financing : ensuring fair and sustainablefinancing, including financial protection.
3. Human resources : having a sufficient and productive workforce.
4. Information and knowledge : ensuring the generation and use of information.
5. Technology and infrastructure : ensuring adequate drugs, equipment, infrastructure.
6. Service delivery : improving organisation, management, and quality of services
Source: "Health System Strengthening," GAVI Alliance (www.gavialliance.org)