Management and Health Systems Strengthening

Why Strengthen the Health System?

Keeping people healthy and mortality low is a complicated task involving many different components: prevention, access to care, nutrition, maternal and child health, family, and so much more. There are also many things outside of specific health areas that can impact health, including employment, education, housing, income, and many others.

The important about strengthening health systems and assisting health workers is the fundamental base for healthcare worldwide. Historically it has to focus on single concerns such as HIV or malaria. This is helpful, but strengthening the health system means it will be able to respond to any disease. “We must learn to listen if we want to be heard.” on the importance of developing a better, more coordinated health system in the three main affected countries and how this could be the difference between containment and widespread infection. Throughout the conference, “We must learn to listen” reminded us of our mission and of the necessity of learning from those we are trying to help and soliciting their input to change and improve the health system.

The key to improved health is to refine and strengthen health systems. As organizations, if we work together and listen instead of just talking, I believe real change will happen in the world and lives will be saved.