Abrir Salud, Bolivia

Assessment of Childhood Development Project (CDP), Yemen Support to Decentralisation of Health Services in Kenya UK Abrir Salud, Bolivia ABRIR SALUD- Health Transformation project, Bolivia Since March 2000, HLSP has managed this DFID-funded project, which aims to assist the Bolivian Ministry of Health in implementing healthcare reforms linked to the municipal, capitation-based model for provision of healthcare and other basic services. The project specifically assists the Ministry of Health with two key aspects of the reform: the Family and Community Health policy the Participatory Municipal Health Management model These were developed and implemented in the Azanake Association of Municipalities in the department of Oruro, one of the most deprived regions of the country with the worst health indicators. Participatory municipal health management model The Mancomunidad Azanake is an association of five municipalities, focusing on health issues. It was set up as a result of an Abrir Salud initiative to improve coordination between health authorities, health service staff, municipal authorities and representatives of civil society. The association was formed in 2000, with the objective of "improving the health of the population living in its jurisdiction" and developing a participatory model of municipal health management. One of the Mancomunidad Azanake’s main achievements over the last four years (with Abrir Salud support) is that health is now seen as a priority in its five member municipalities. One hospital has been upgraded, and new joint projects have been implemented. Azanake also stands out from the rest of Bolivia’s associations of municipalities for its innovative work. It is the first association set up exclusively for health, and the participatory municipal management model has led to work on intercultural health and citizen participation in the fight against corruption. Work is currently underway to ensure the sustainability of the Mancomunidad Azanake and Participatory Municipal Health Management model. In agreement with the authorities and the community, the Abrir Salud project has taken various steps to keep health as a priority in municipal policies. Joint bank accounts, committed resources, campaigns with candidates for mayors and other activities are also strengthening this work. more