Capacity building

Capacity building Strengthening management capacity helps individuals tackle the changes and challenges of health systems development Capacity building for health system development takes place in rapidly shifting and reforming policy and service environments, in low and middle-income countries where human and other resources are greatly constrained. By moving up stream in terms of focusing on the strategic issues and the wider environment, HLSP builds potential for developing an appropriate mix of locally owned interventions, that will have longer-term impact and enable results to be assessed. HLSP works with partners in environments where there are often significant political and bureaucratic barriers to change, where human and other resources may be greatly constrained and where HIV and AIDS may have an impact on capacity. HLSP approaches the building of an organisation's capacity to meet its own goals as more than just a training exercise. HLSP aims to strengthen leadership and management capacity for change management in the health system, taking into account the political, governance and legal issues in the wider institutional framework. Building an organisational culture of feedback and reflection is important for sustainability and HLSP promotes the development of ‘learning organisations’. It is also critical to strengthen organisational structures, investing in systems for effective governance, and for financial, information and human resources management. Consistent and high level support, as well as stakeholder involvement, is needed for building long term ownership and buy-in to potentially complex changes. Equally important is advocacy for a system-wide approach that involves development agencies and technical partners, and fosters support to the government’s overall strategy. HLSP’s proven approaches draw on the expertise of national and international professionals who are leaders in organisational development and change management in both low and high income settings. more